A column of smoke in northeastern Utah caused quite a stir on Monday, alarming members of the public. The smoke, however, was not cause for great concern. According to BLM representative Geoff Liesik, the smoke column was caused, in part, by planned firing operations on the Bender Mountain Fire carried out by firefighters to add depth to established containment lines. “There are also unburned pockets of timber and other fuels inside the fire perimeter that have ignited, producing more smoke,” explains Liesik. “The fire will likely produce additional smoke until the area receives significant rainfall or even snow. This is normal and is not cause for concern.” The fire has grown very little over the last week and has reached 75 percent containment. For now, there are two fire crews assigned as well as three engines and an air attack plane for around 50 fire personnel. The fire is being investigated as human-caused though arson is not suspected.
