Solomon Basin Fire Update
Incident: Solomon Basin Wildfire
Released: 8/31/2009
Loa, UT- The Solomon Basin Fire, burning approximately 11 miles north east of Fremont, Utah became more active Sunday afternoon. Fire behavior picked up due to high winds and low humidity. The fire is estimated to be 832 acres this morning.
Due to the increase in fire behavior and concerns for public safety, the Fishlake National Forest is implementing temporary emergency closures in the vicinity of the fire.
Included in the closure is a portion of the Great Western Trail (road 212) from it's junction with Forest Road 206 north to Hogan's Pass at Highway 72, Forest Roads 1569 and 1710, and road 019 in the Meeks Lake area.
All closures will remain in effect until further notice.
The Solomon Basin Fire has been burning since July 31 when it was started by lightning. The fire, which is being managed for resource benefits, is burning in spruce, fir and aspen. A mix of live and dead down and standing trees are fueling the fire.
The potential benefits of this fire include improving the diversity of habitat for plants and animals, and reducing future risks of a large, high intensity fire in the burned area.
For additional information on the temporary closures contact the Fremont River Ranger District in Loa, Utah at 435-836-2811.
While smoke from this fire as well as the Saw Mill Canyon Fire burning near Scipio, Utah has been visible from time to time, the majority of smoke over the area today is from the Mill Flats fire burning southwest of New Harmony, Utah on the Dixie National Forest.
For additional information on this and other fires in Utah, visit Utah Fire Information at http://www.utahfireinfo.gov. Information on this and other fires burning nationally can be found by visiting the Inciweb web site at http://inciweb.org .
