UPDATE 7 p.m. Fire size is confirmed at 215 acres, with 40% containment. Full containment is estimated to be made on July 24. Old Highway 91 will reopen at 7:30 p.m. July 23; the public is asked to drive with caution and fire fighting vehicles will still be in the area.
UPDATED 4:45 p.m.
IVINS – Yet another human caused wildfire is burning northwest of Kayenta and 1 mile west of Ivins. Kelly Washburn, Fire Information Officer, said the cause was metal grinding and cutting.
As of 4 p.m., Washburn advised that the fire is burning approximately 200 acres.
Although some structures may be threatened, no evacuation orders have been issued and the threat is currently being abated. Washburn said that some homeowners have voluntarily evacuated.
Old Hwy 91 is currently closed from 400 West heading south or west, Washburn said. Traffic is being divered through the Kayenta subdivision with access to Old Highway 91 via Kayenta Drive.
At this time, fire crews and resources involved include 2 light helicopters, 1 aerial supervision platform, 3 single engine air tankers, 13 wildland engines, 1-20 person hand crew. Resources and staff fighting the fire include Bureau of Indian Affairs-Southern Paiute Agency, BLM Arizona Strip, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, local municipal fire departments including Ivins, Santa Clara, Diamond Valley, and Color Country Districts.
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