Wildfire in Zion National Park spreads to 450 acres
The Salt Lake Tribune
A wildfire burning in Zion Natural Park that forced the closure of a hiking trail has spread over 450 acres, but was reported to be 25 percent contained Wednesday.
The lightning-sparked Horse fire was discovered on July 7 and is located about 1½ miles southeast of Lava Point, in the northern part of the park.
On Wednesday, park officials said the northern part of the fire, which is most worrisome to fire officials, was slowed by a lack of fuel when it reached an area that was burned last fall.
The southern and eastern parts of the fire continued moderate growth Tuesday. The West Rim Trail from Lava Point to Potato Hollow was temporarily closed to protect visitors.
Smoke from the fire may settle into canyons at night, especially Zion Canyon, but canyon winds should blow it away by mid-morning, park fire spokesman David Eaker said in a news release.
