According to a statement from Kane County’s fire authorities, multiple fires started over the weekend of August 2, many of which were caused by lightning strikes accompanying the overcast weather. Authorities estimate 12 or 13 separate ignitions, most of which were contained within the day. Kane County Fire Warden Spencer Rollo said of the fires, “With lightning like we experienced over the weekend, it’s not uncommon to have this big of a response. We brought in many agencies, including smoke jumpers, air attack, helitack crews, task forces of engines, dozers, water tenders and a few BLM and state engines. We have suppressed or are currently suppressing all the fires. More lightning the rest of the week will keep crews busy not just in Kane County, but also in the surrounding areas.”
Lightning around Jackson Flat Reservoir in Kanab. Photos by Kevin Dobo.
Reports are consistently coming in of the smell of smoke in the air due to the various fires in the area, combined with the containing factor of thick cloud cover. County fire officials estimate the largest fire over the weekend to be about 1.5 acres, with effective suppression action keeping most fires limited in size.
Outdoor recreation authorities such as the National Park Service’s (NPS) lightning storm safety page for Bryce Canyon have a few safety tips for staying safe during the stormy season. First and foremost, authorities recommend seeking shelter when thunder is heard in an area, specifically a sturdy structure with four sides and a roof, or failing that, a hardtop vehicle like a car or truck. Avoid areas that are high altitude relative to surroundings like hills, and stay away from tall trees, especially solitary ones.
The NPS and Utah’s Department of Recreation advise caution in planning camping or fishing trips during Utah’s stormy season, recommending that campers check the weather forecast consistently and keep an eye on towering or dark clouds and seek shelter when thunder sounds.
Wildfires can be reported to 911, or more remote fires can be reported to an interagency fire center:
• Central Utah Interagency Fire Center: (435) 896-8404
• Uintah Basin Interagency Fire Center (northeastern Utah): (435) 789-7021
• Moab Interagency Fire Center (southeastern Utah): (435) 259-1850
• Southern Utah’s Color Country Fire Center (southwestern Utah): (435) 865-4611
