12:00 pm: Firefighting efforts are winding way down in Parleys Canyon today thanks to a helping hand from Mother Nature.
Thursday morning, most firefighters who spent the last 4 days battling the Parleys Canyon Fire had been redeployed, with many now in Orgeon. The fire here was 80% contained last night, and crews still here have spent Thursday morning breaking camp and dealing with non-fire related logistics like taking apart yurts and returning port-a-potties.
Mike Eriksson, area manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, said lightning from this week’s storms created conditions too dangerous for firefighting. He said a couple of division supervisors are up in the canyon checking whether it’s safe for firefighters to return yet. They’re also looking for spots that are still burning, which are getting harder to spot thanks to the rain. Firefighters still have work to do on the south flank of the fire.
Eriksson said one hand crew and one engine are standing by and will return to the canyon as soon as they can. He credited Mother Nature for doing everything she could to help out, and said the forecast through this weekend, with a good chance of rain most days, will continue to aid firefighting efforts.
Summit Park and Timberline trails are still closed. Firefighters do not want anyone out there near the area where they’re working.
