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Homes threatened as wildfire in Iron County continues to burn

Posted at 1:59 PM, Jun 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-16 16:20:44-04

IRON COUNTY, Utah - A wildfire continues to burn in Iron County at an estimated 400 acres and is threatening about 20 homes and outbuildings.

Authorities said lightning sparked the blaze Wednesday north of Bumblebee Mountain, about 13 miles southwest of Cedar City.

Strong winds hampered efforts to contain the fire Wednesday suspending air resources to fight the blaze.

Winds are expected to pick up again Thursday, however, fire crews were able to send out air and ground resources to drop retardant and work to protect nearby homes.

"We're going to take all opportunity that we can today to try to get in and fight the fire with aerial resources but also get our ground crews in, that can prep our structures that are out there," Dixie National Forest spokeswoman Marcia Gilles said.

Bumblebee Ridge Rd. has been closed due to a public safety issue.

Fire crews are also fighting two other wildfires in the area.

The Pine Canyon Fire is a few miles south of the Aspen Fire burning more than 60 acres but is not threatening homes.

The Saddle Fire reported Monday has burned about 103 acres. It is 2.5 miles southwest of Pine Valley.

Officials said no crews have been sent to this fire because of the inaccessible steep terrain.

Wildfire info from the State of Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands:

Summary: Color Country Interagency Communication Center received a report of a fire start on Bumblebee Mountain on the Pine Valley District of the Dixie National Forest. Local resources are on scene and aerial resources are currently being used. Smoke from the Aspen Fire can be seen from Cedar City.

Start Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Location: North of Bumblebee Mountain, 13 Miles Southwest of Cedar City

Jurisdiction: Pine Valley Ranger District, Dixie National Forest

Fire Size: Estimated at 400 acres. (Note: one acre is equivalent to one football field).

Cause: Lightning (lightning and storms passed through southern Utah on 6/11 and 6/12)

Closures: Bumblebee Ridge Rd.

Structures: Scattered structures to the north of the fire are threatened.

Fuels: Grass, brush and timber.

Aspen Fire in Iron County

Aspen Fire in Iron County