Graff Point And Silver King Fires See Improvement In Containment

Graff Point Fire

The Graff Point Fire has remained at 544 acres and is currently 47% contained. A total of 367 personnel are dedicated to this incident, focusing on full suppression efforts to contain the fire. Recent efforts have strengthened containment lines along the northern and southern flanks, and handlines have been constructed in uncontained areas on the southeast and southwest flanks. On the eastern side, firefighters are using a hose lay to secure the fire line and extinguish hot spots. Ground crews have been supported by aerial resources, with water drops cooling hot spots and retardant slowing the fire's spread.

These firefighting efforts will continue today. Additionally, chippers and masticators will be used along S. Kanarra Mountain Road to reduce fuels and mitigate fire risks.

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A community meeting was held Tuesday night at the Heritage Center Theatre in Cedar City, UT. Representatives from the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 6 and local agencies provided updates on the fire's status, operational strategy, and future plans. Attendees, both in-person and online, had the opportunity to ask questions. A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Utah Fire Info Facebook page for those who could not attend.

Despite recent precipitation, the fuels remain dry, resulting in some interior creeping and torching. The chance of isolated thunderstorms is expected to develop again today, with temperatures in the mid-80s.

Silver King Fire

The Silver King Fire, triggered by lightning, has scorched 17,750 acres and is currently 20% contained. The fire's footprint has not changed significantly in recent days, indicating a stable perimeter. There are 647 personnel assigned to this incident. On Tuesday, five Hot Shot crews were deployed to the steep terrain in the Deer Creek drainage, and today four crews continue their efforts. Significant progress has been made in securing the fireline from Beaver Creek to Bullion Canyon. Firefighters are mopping up, monitoring, and patrolling the secured line. Hazardous trees are being removed, and forest service roads are being graded to facilitate public access once the fire is contained.

Night operations in the Bullion Canyon area are crucial for protecting the Marysvale watershed and the historic Miners Park. Natural barriers on the west and southwest sides of the fire are effectively limiting its spread, providing a measure of control over the situation.

Firefighter safety remains the highest priority. Late afternoon thunderstorms, bringing lightning and erratic winds, have created challenging conditions, often necessitating the temporary withdrawal of resources from the fireline to ensure crew safety. Despite these difficulties, there have been no reported injuries, and the established firelines have held strong.

Monsoonal moisture in the area is expected to bring continued chances of afternoon thunderstorms over the next few days. Wind speeds are predicted to be lower than those experienced recently. Temperatures in the lower elevations of the fire are expected to remain in the mid-80s, with relative humidity levels between 17-25%.