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Two wildfires burning on Dixie National Forest; roads closed

Posted at 2:17 PM, Jun 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-10 21:50:44-04

PINE VALLEY, Utah — Two fires are burning on the Dixie National Forest in the Pine Valley Ranger District, and at this time no structures are threatened.

The Grass Valley Fire started on Friday about 5 miles north of Pine Valley.  It has burned nearly 13 acres of pinyon juniper, brush and  grass. Firefighters have been working to establish a line around the fire, and as of Saturday night the fire is 90 percent contained.

One firefighter battling the Grass Valley Fire was taken to a hospital for a heat-related illness, where he is listed in stable condition and is responding well to treatment.

The second blaze is the North Fire, which is burning on approximately 492 acres of timber, brush and grasses. Saturday night officials said there had been minimal fire activity throughout the day, and the blaze is 5% contained. There is currently a red flag warning for southwest Utah.

Fifty-five fire personnel are actively working to put out both fires, including multiple aircraft and a team of smoke jumpers. Forest Roads #011 and #014 are currently closed.  Fire crews are asking people to avoid these areas due to an increase of fire personnel traffic.

No structures have been evacuated or are at risk.

Concerned residents may sign up for Everbridge to receive notifications from the Washington County Emergency Alert System, here.

The cause of both fires are under investigation.

Experts say recent hot weather and windy conditions make conditions in much of Utah ripe for wildfires.