SOUTHERN UTAH — Crews are battling three large wildfires that were caused by lightning this week, and they said they are collectively referring to the blazes as the MGC Complex Fire.
A Type 2 Incident Management Team has assumed control of the fire fighting efforts as of 6 a.m. Sunday morning, and the fires include the Middle Ridge Fire, the Cottonwood Fire and the Greek Peak Fire.
According to a press release from the Incident Management Team, all three fires received precipitation Sunday and scattered thunderstorms are expected in the area throughout the upcoming week.
The press release stated the Middle Ridge Fire is burning on 10,343 acres and is 30 percent contained. The fire is about 30 miles southwest of Panaca, Nevada and began on July 1. The fire received “significant rainfall” Sunday and crews hope to begin rehabilitation work on 5 miles of fire line on Monday.
The Cottonwood Fire is burning on 1,205 acres and is 60 percent contained. It is about 18 miles northeast of Panaca, Nevada and began on July 3. The press release stated high winds with gusts of up to 45 mph were observed in the area of the fire Sunday. Two firefighters working the blaze were treated for dehydration but are recovering.
The Greek Peak Fire is burning on 761 acres and is 80 percent contained. Two crews are still assigned to the fire but are expected to be released by the end of Monday. The press release stated the fire would be monitored daily starting on Tuesday. The fire is about 15 miles southwest of Enterprise Reservoir in Utah and it began July 2.
The Incident Management Team has assigned the following resources to the fires as of Sunday night: five helicopters, 11 engines, 15 crews, two dozers and 472 personnel.
