While recent rains have provided some much needed moisture during the drought conditions, Ashley National Forest is still in Stage 1 fire restrictions. “We continue to monitor fuel moisture and wildfire indexes daily to provide safe experiences for visitors to the forest,” shares Ashley National Forest. “We expect this round of moisture to be absorbed quickly, returning to a hot and dry period. The National Weather Service long-range outlook predicts ‘below average’ precipitation centered on Eastern Utah from 6 days to two weeks out.” Forest officials also explain that the limited fire staff have been patrolling non-stop through thunderstorm events and have responded to multiple small lightning-caused fires. The fire staff is limited as many are on fire assignments throughout the western United States.
