SOUTHERN UTAH – The containment of the Brian Head fire has sky rocketed over the weekend, allowing highway 143 to re-open.
In the past couple days reported containment has jumped from 20-percent on Friday to 65-percent two days later.
Highway 143 is now open from Panguitch to Parawon. Fire authorities warn however, there is still heavy fire and utility traffic in the area, as well as firefighters working on clearing dangerous trees. They ask drivers to drive slowly and realize there may be long delays getting across the highway.
Crews have now managed 65-percent control of the 65,377 acres blaze. According to fire authorities, a lot of the success they’ve had is thanks to good weekend weather they’ve seen.
Crews report more than 1,800 personnel continue to fight the fire near Brian Head, Utah. They say the Sunday plan is to fight the blaze as it continues northeast, as well as reinforcing already contained areas.
According to the daily incident report, crews are expecting an increase in wind with gusts up to 25 mph. They say they hope some moisture will be seen leter this week causing a few afternoon showers.
Today will be the final shift for the Type 2 Incident Management Team, according to Utah wildfire authorities, which has been based out of Parowan since June 17th. According to fire authorities, Team members will return to their home units across Nevada, Idaho, and Utah.
