Fire caused by lightning strike put to use

GRAND JUNCTION—A 100-acre wildfire, ignited by lightning, will be managed to achieve ecological objectives in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. The area is designated a “Fire Use Area,” which permits wildfire to play its natural ecological role in the ecosystem under certain conditions. Allowing this fire use fire to burn will reduce dense vegetation and improve wildlife habitat in the Wilderness. The affected terrain is flat-to-rolling hills with sage and grass fuels.

The fire was reported Sunday, June 26, around 7:30 p.m. and is located just east of the Utah state line and south of the Colorado River in the Wrigley Mesa area.

The fire will be managed by the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCR) in Grand Junction with individuals on site monitoring the fire’s behavior. Fire personnel will take control actions as needed and coordinate with other agencies on issues like air quality. Management of the current incident could change if deemed necessary by managers and fire behavior specialists.

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