Monroe Mountain forests refreshed in prescribed burns
Jun 3, 2024, 6:00 PM | Updated: 7:19 pm
A fire control helicopter flies over ongoing controlled fires on Monroe Mountain. Prescribed burns like this are used to maintain the health of forests across the state. (Utah Fire Info via X)
(Utah Fire Info via X)
SEVIER COUNTY — Prescribed burns are ongoing in Fish Lake National Forest as part of a restoration project for aspen groves in the area. The Central Utah Fire Interagency said in a statement that 3,200 acres of prescribed burns have been performed around Monroe Mountain this spring. About 1,800 acres of which were burned over the weekend.
The announcement stated that aspen ecosystems are “fire-dependent,” necessitating managed fires for a healthy forest.
“Without fire, the aspen stands in this area will eventually die,” the statement read.
A prescribed burn also reduces an area’s risk of uncontrolled wildfires and improve habitat for wildlife.
However, even controlled fires necessitate caution.
“For your safety, please avoid accessing the Washburn Basin area via trails 081, 083, and 084,” the CUFI advised. The fire is expected to continue, albeit in a reduced form, for several weeks.
Updates on the fires will be provided via Utah Fire Info on X.
