New mapping of the Riggs and Lonely fires shows both fires have increased in size to a combined 650 acres.
According to a press release from the Color County Interagency Fire group issued late Wednesday, aerial mapping of the Riggs Fire estimates it to be at 450 acres, with the nearby Lonely Fire having grown to 200 acres.
Both fires are burning in parts of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Dixie National Forest and public land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management Kanab field office. Both fires were started by lightning strikes, with the Riggs Fire igniting around Aug. 25 and the Lonely Fire igniting Monday.
Smoke from the Riggs Fire, Kane County, Utah, Sept. 10, 2018 | File photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service, St. George News
The Lonely Fire is located 1.5 miles north of the Riggs Fire.
According to the press release, the area the fires have been burning through hasn’t been touched by fire for many years and has become overgrown. Fire managers have allowed the fire to burn to consume the fuel buildup as well benefit area’s fire-dependent ecosystem.