Wildfires blazing in Dixie Forest

CEDAR CITY — The Dixie National Forest is actively managing the Skunk Creek and Little Jake wildfires in Garfield County.

The Skunk Creek Fire is located about six miles southeast of Hatch and was controlled and contained Saturday. Lightning started the fire on Aug. 6, and fire managers have been using it to reduce understory fuel and promote ponderosa pine seed germination on approximately 224 acres.

While there is no expected future growth of the fire, some minor smoke will be visible in the area over the coming week as isolated interior areas burn, said Rob MacWhorter, Dixie National Forest supervisor.

Fourteen miles northwest of Escalante, the Little Jake fire was ignited by lighting Aug. 18. It is being managed in a diverse and remote area of the Escalante Ranger District and grew to 535 acres. Forest managers are using the fire to reduce understory fuels, promote ponderosa pine and aspen regeneration, improve vegetation health, improve wildlife habitat, maintain old growth character and reduce future fire and smoke impacts.

— Rebecca Palmer