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Show . - r "1 : t . . . . -: ; I '. ' - ' ' I.; ESCAPED CAMPFIRE at FLimmg Gorge during the July 4tn : weekend resulted in the loss ot personal property and threaten-nejrby threaten-nejrby camps and forest. Fire season warnings given by Forest officials Fire season is upon us once again, as vegetation continues to be dried and heated by long summer d;iys, stated Ashley National Forest officials. The grasses in the Uinta mountians are beginning to brown and standing dead piens, recently killed by mountain pine beetles, add to fuels for potential lightning or man-caused fires that may occur. Gail Herrmann, Fire Managment Officer at Flaming Gorge, has one helicopter and a crew of seven men whose job is to control forest fires. The Flaming Gorge "Helitack" crew has initial fire attack responsibilities on the Ashley National Forest and part of the Wastach National Forest, as well as Bureau of Land Management areas adjacent to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Forest Service employees and volunteers of the Ashley National Forest and Vernal District of the Bureau of Land Management recently attended basic fire-fighting training. Having passed a written and physical test, they will be available in the event of a fire. Last year the Ashely National Forest experienced 63 fires". Forty-nine of these originated from lightning and of the remaining 14 man-caused fires, 7 occurred at Flaming Gorge. Forest officials urge visitors to be especially careful in their use of campfires, particularly after having two fireworks-caused fires and an escaped campfire over the 4th of July weekend. The escaped campfire destroyed tents, sleeping bags and camping equipment in the Arch Dam area at Flaming Gorge. The fire caused property damage in the camp from which it originated, and in an adjacent camp as well as threatening two others before being controlled. Apparently, wind carried embers beyond the edge of a fire ring and quickly ignited surrounding dry fuels. Nearby campers voluntarily fought the blaze until the helitack crew arrived. No one was hurt. Forest officials ask campers to use established fire-rings and attend your fire at all times. It is illegal to leave a smouldering fire to go fishing, floating the river or for other reasons, even if you plan to be back. If you must leave, put your fire out, making sure it is dead out to the feel of your hand. Also be especially careful with cigarettes and other flame sources. Smoke only in an area cleared to mineral soil and please extinguish your cigarette and do not flick ashes out of your car windows or in other locations. |