ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Mt. Emma fire is burning on about 4,201 acres as of Sunday, and fire crews plan to transition downward to a Type 4 organization composed of local firefighting resources.
According to a press release from the Bureau of Land Management issued Sunday, the lightning-caused fire is burning about 75 miles southeast of St. George, Utah and is within the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument’s Mount Logan Wilderness as well as Grand Canyon National Park.
Recent moisture and humidity from storms have helped reduce fire activity and resulting smoke. Officials stated the fire is active on its interior but has not contributed to significant fire growth. Last Sunday, the fire was on 3,849 acres.
After analyzing the situation, crews are reducing the management to a Type 4 organization made up of local resources, and fire managers have developed a long-term plan for the fire.
The fire started June 24 and is burning in open ponderosa pine, pinyon and juniper. The fire has burned in and out of the footprint of the 1999 Emma Fire, which burned 1,286 acres. It is located northwest of the 2005 Tuweep Fire, which burned 1,866 acres.
Sunday’s press release states: “There are no road or trail closures anticipated at this time. Smoke may be visible from St. George and Kanab, Utah; Fredonia and the North and South Rims in Arizona.”
Firefighters urge anyone traveling through backcountry roadways near the fire to use caution and be on the lookout for firefighters in the area in order to ensure crews have access to the areas they need to reach.
