ST. GEORGE — Management of the Silver King Fire was transferred from Nevada Incident Management Team 5 to a local Type 4 Incident Manager on Saturday morning as the fire nears full containment.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a public meeting concerning the Silver King Fire, Marysvale, Utah, July 7, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Marysvale Fire Department, St. George News
According to a news release from Central Utah Interagency Fire, the Silver King Fire had burned 18,222 acres in Fishlake National Forest and was 88% contained as of Friday. The lightning-caused fire, burning approximately three miles west of Marysvale, started July 5 and required the services of 115 personnel.
“While the fire is reducing in complexity and the incident management objectives are being met, the fire will remain in a patrol and monitor status for quite some time. That means firefighters will remain on scene to observe the fire and extinguish hot spots if necessary,” the news release said.
Because the fire is confined and not declared “out,” there will still be a considerable amount of smoke throughout the summer until cooler, wetter weather arrives, the news release said. However, the threat of the fire escaping its current footprint has been reduced to the lowest level possible with the contain/confine strategy.
As of Friday, public information will be available in two locations: the Marysvale Sinclair gas station and the Richfield Ranger District Office. The fire information phone line will also transfer to the Fishlake National Forest Supervisor’s Office & Richfield Office at (435) 896-9233.
Forest Service officials remind the public that safety remains a top priority as the fire area is still active.
“Observe all forest closure notices and watch out for fire personnel and apparatuses around the fire area throughout the rest of the summer.,” the news release said.
Click here for the most current closure map.