New Harmony » Gov. Gary Herbert on Sunday joined critics questioning why the 10,000-acre Mill Flat fire that destroyed at least three structures and threatened more than 600 others was not suppressed earlier.

After flying over the blaze's towering smoke column in a helicopter, he aimed his criticism at a decision to let the lightning-caused fire burn as a way to clear old growth and invite rejuvenation.

"A lighting strike may be a good way to manage resources but [it] may not be the best practice," the governor said.

Conditions similar to those where the Mill Flat fire is burning exist throughout central and southern Utah on public land in Garfield and Iron counties

and Gunnison, he said, adding he plans to take the matter up with Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service officials.

Herbert also took aim at restrictions on federal wilderness areas. The Mill Flat fire started July 25 within the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area.

Before Congress designated the area as protected wilderness, livestock grazing controlled vegetation overgrowth that causes fires to burn more intensely when they do start, he said.

"With wilderness, our hands are tied behind our backs," Herbert said. "It sets us up for a tragedy."

Perhaps sheep should be allowed to graze in now-restricted areas, he said.

Officials had been monitoring the fire mostly burning through dead vegetation

for nearly a month before it exploded in size on Saturday as heavy winds quickly pushed it closer and closer to residential areas.

At a town meeting Sunday afternoon, Patricia Smith asked how much money would have been saved had officials opted to suppress the fire earlier.

"Will it take $3 billion to fight [now]?" asked Smith, the only person evacuated from New Harmony who is taking refuge at a Red Cross shelter set up at an LDS ward in neighboring Kanarraville.

Jon Petersen, who lives in Las Vegas but whose family has a house in New Harmony, said the Forest Service "screwed up."

He said he went up to a ridge top to look at the fire two weeks ago and saw tragedy coming.

"The smoke would flare up in Pine Valley and drop its ashes [and embers] on New Harmony.

His brother, Ralph Petersen, also criticized slow response to fight the flames.

"My solution is the first five days [the fire] is nature made, after that it should be treated as manmade," he said.

Fire spokesman Kenton Call said questions about cost and the decision not to fight the fire earlier will be addressed at a later date.

For his part, Herbert said he wants to ensure state taxpayers won't bear the cost.

"It appears the Forest Service started the fire; they should take responsibility," he said.

mhavnes@sltrib.com