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Show Members of seismograph crew from SEFEL Geophysical exploration outfit, conducting studies in the Panguitch area worked side by side with Forest Service Seismic crews, blasting in the area, caused a fire about 2 p.m. Monday, afternoon which burned five acres 10 miles west of Panguitch. Rollo Brunson, district ranger on the Cedar City District of the Dixie National Forest, reported that the crew had been testing in the area under authorization and with proper permits. He said that the explosives used by. the company, SEFEL Geophysical, were designed to be as flash-free as possible. He said the company uses five pound bags of a gelled explosive placed on a post about three feet above ground. The particular blast which caused the fire ignited what Brunson termed "heavy fuels" i.e. rabbit brush and heavy sage. Recent unusual weather patterns have contributed to the present highly combustible state of some areas of Garfield and Iron Counties, he said. personnel and State Fire warden to control blaze Monday accidently Ignited at testing site. Helicopter water drops were invaluable in fighting blaze. Seismic Crews Blast Sets Blaze Heavy rains which have fallen recently have entirely missed some areas, creating fire hazards in those areas. As a result of Monday's fire, however, Brunson said that it had become necessary to suspend blasting until conditions alleviate the problem. He said that if conditions continue to worsen, forest officers are considering fire restrictions for the area. Fifteen SEFEL personnel immediately began battling the spreading blaze with Arnold Keown, State Forester, arriving with the pumper truck. Ten Forest Service firefighters arrived to assist along with a Forest Service pumper from Duck Creek. " - |