Prescribed burn for wildfire mitigation may cause drift smoke, impact trails

Crews conduct a prescribed pile-burning operation in Millcreek Canyon. Photo: U.S. Forest Service

SALT LAKE, Utah — Drift smoke may be blowing into the basin from a prescribed pile-burning operation in Upper Millcreek Canyon, according to an update from Summit County.

According to the US Forest Service, with the snow from last weekend and expected moisture in the coming days, crews had a favorable window to conduct the operation. “Thus far the piles are consuming slowly and successfully, within their intended footprint,” reads their update.

The burns will impact six trails in Millcreek Canyon in Salt Lake County beginning Oct 9 and 10:

• Great Western Trail
• Wasatch Crest Trail
• Ridge Connector Trail
• Big Water Trail
• Little Water Trail
• Old Red Pine Road

The Forest Service urged hikers to use caution when traveling on these trails. “Note that the piles will be managed and patrolled by firefighters on site until out,” said the Forest Service. “Please do not report these fires.”

This operation is part of a larger project to reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires, improve watershed function, improve forest health, and restore wildlife habitat.