Lightning-set fire near Vernal still burning

ROOSEVELT — A fire originally set by lightning in late June continues to burn in the Ashley National Forest, Mill Hollow area.

The 668-acre fire near Vernal is being monitored in order to "consume and clean out" an area of the forest that has "grown out of balance," said fire information officer Venetia Gempler. She said firefighters have control of the blaze and will attempt a burnout as weather permits. However, precipitation is forecast for the area.

Flames are being permitted to burn areas where Douglas and sub-alpine fir trees have overcome aspen varieties. The fire is also burning available fuels in the form of dead trees, Gempler said.

Officials believe clearing the area will allow wildlife to flourish when the space beings to regenerate.