August 20, 2016 Mineral Fork fire Update Contact(s): Brandon Robinson (801) 643-4759

Burnout Operations Planned for Mineral Fork Fire Area in Big Cottonwood Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, August 20, 2016 – The Mineral Fork fire in Big Cottonwood Canyon was started on Saturday, August 6, 2016 by lightning. This naturally caused fire is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is burning on National Forest System lands. Management officials with the Forest Service are managing this fire using strategies that take advantage of fire’s beneficial elements to achieve Forest goals. Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of many landscapes, such as the watersheds within Salt Lake County. The Forest Service is constantly working with partners to restore healthy, resilient, and fire-adapted ecosystems. The Mineral Fork Fire has presented an opportunity to manage and allow wildfire to perform its natural role in controlling fuel build-up and rejuvenating vegetation. On Monday, August 22, 2016 and Tuesday, August 23, 2016, the Forest Service will conduct burnout operations on the ground with aerial support within the Mineral Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT to help achieve its objectives to: Provide for the safety of firefighters and the public

Manage the fire to minimize both fire intensity and impact to the Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed

Use fire as an important tool to improve forest health

Reduce hazardous fuel loading

Enhance wildlife habitat With these burnout operations set to take place, the public can expect to see a significant amount of smoke in the valley from I-15, I-215, and neighboring canyons. The public is asked not to call 911 to report the fire in Big Cottonwood Canyon. immediately on Monday, August 22, 2016, at 12:01a.m., the Mill B South Fork Trail , Broads Fork Trail , and surrounding areas in Big Cottonwood Canyon will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. The area will be closed to all recreational uses including hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, etc. until 12:01a.m. Wednesday August 24, 2016. The area is being closed while the Forest Service conducts these burnout operations for both the safety of firefighting officials and the recreating public. The Mineral Fork Trail remains CLOSED and will remain closed until firefighting operations are complete for both firefighter and public safety at a later date. The trail is closed to all uses to include pedestrian and motorized use. Hikers and hunters in the Mill B drainage area are reminded to stay away from the fire area. Copies of the closure orders will be posted at the impacted trailheads and other pertinent locations throughout the canyon. A copy of the order is also available at the Salt Lake Ranger District Office located at 6944 S. 3000 E. Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. The Forest Service continues to partner with the Unified Fire Authority, The Nature Conservancy, and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State lands in the management of the Mineral Fork Fire. For more information about the Salt Lake Ranger District, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/uwcnf/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsem_035528 **Please exercise caution along Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for firefighter and public safety** USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.



