PANGUITCH, Utah—
The Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park are experiencing their first fire of the 2009 fire season. The lightning-caused Bridge Hollow Fire is burning on the Forest approximately 8 miles southwest of the community of Bryce Canyon City. The fire started on the afternoon of June 14. The fire is currently estimated at 11 acres in size. Fire crews from both Bryce Canyon National Park and the Dixie National Forest are managing the fire.The fire is burning in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir overstory and manzanita and pinyon-juniper understory. Much of the Douglas fir in the area is infested with mistletoe. Currently the fire is being managed for resource benefits, said Powell District Ranger Lori Wood. Potential benefits include improved forest health and timber stand improvement. Other benefits include reducing fuel buildup in the area and mitigating future risks to firefighters and the public, both on the Forest and in the Park, said Wood. Smoke from the fire may be visible from the East Fork Road.
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