KANOSH, Millard County — Fire officials plan an afternoon "burn out" today at the southern end of the Millard Flat fire, which may require another I-15 closure while crews work near the freeway.

Firefighters are hoping to establish a containment line that will keep the fire from spreading toward Mandersfield and Beaver.

The state's largest-ever wildfire has been burning since Friday. The blaze was considered 40 percent contained as of Thursday morning, up from 30 percent Tuesday and Wednesday. A total of 351,549 acres have burned so far.

The burn out is planned near the Mandersfield exit on I-15. Public information officer Vince Mazzier said the objective is to conduct a controlled burn on grasses between a man-made fire break near the freeway and the active fire burning to the northwest. Just how many acres of range land will be included in the burn out has not been determined.

Bulldozers also continue to extend fire breaks in the Mineral Mountains, also on the southern edge of the fire.

Gusty winds Wednesday pushed the fire beyond containment lines on the north end of the fire, near Clear Lake, but the fire's northern containment line had been reestablished by this morning.

Officials say fire danger remains high in the area. A return of gusty winds is a possibility today, Mazzier said. Dry thunderstorms are also a possibility.

Lightning near Milford started the fire Friday and fire officials have said repeatedly more lightning storms are the biggest threat to containing the fire.

In other developments, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. announced today that he tasked Brian Cottam, a rural program specialist within the Governor's Office of Planning & Budget, to serve as his liaison to local governments and individuals impacted by wildfires this summer. Cottam will provide county and municipal governments, as well as those individuals directly impacted by wildfire, a direct contact in the Governor's Office.

"After the flames and smoke subside from these historic fires, residents should know that the Governor's Office recognizes the need to continue to provide necessary assistance to areas engaged in restoration efforts," Huntsman said.

"Brian will provide a crucial communication link between our office, local government and state agencies as he works to ensure community needs are met, both during and well after a wildfire."

Cottam is also available to assist local government in other ways, such as planning and participating in informational meetings with the public; coordinating and meeting with state; federal and local support agencies; as requested.

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