Dan HarrieFire crews were tested Saturday by extreme heat and wind as they battle a lightning caused wildfire about 20 miles east of Kanab.
The Pine Hollow Fire has burned more than 11,100 acres and threatens a house and four outbuildings, according to a Bureau of Land Management news release. It is listed as 0% contained.
Forecasters predict continued hot, dry and unstable conditions for the foreseeable future, with Saturday highs in the upper 90s, along with gusty and erratic afternoon winds.
The release said firefighters “expect fire behavior to be extreme due to dry fuel, high heat, and erratic winds.”
Fourteen engines and six helicopters are deployed on the fire and more resources are being brought in.
Public lands managers are asking the public to avoid travel on House Rock Valley Road from Highway 89 to Highway 89A, Winter Road and FS 248. Public lands in Utah in that area will be closed effective Sunday at 8 a.m.
The state line campground is closed to the public.
Burning mostly pinyon and juniper pine along with grass and brush, the blaze is most active on its northern edge, near the previously burned Wire Pass Fire. Crews are holding the eastern edge west of House Rock Valley Road and on the south along the Winter Road.
Officials say crews “make excellent progress” and they expected the fire to be contained by midnight on Aug. 13.
Dan Harrie is a news editor over government and politics. He began his career at UPI, joining The Tribune in 1990 at a time when most government leaders spoke for themselves instead of through spokespeople.