ST. GEORGE – A new wildfire sprouted between Pine Valley and Central Wednesday afternoon.
Named the Bench Fire by fire managers, it has burned 20-30 acres so far and is located three miles east of Central near the Mahogany Bench Road, according to a press release from the Color County Fire Interagency.
The fire is believed to be lightning-caused and started around 1:45 p.m.
The fire is being wind-driven and torching through heavy, thick fuels that include Pinyon-juniper trees, Gambel oak trees and grass.
Though the fire is burning near Pine Valley and Central, no structures are threatened and no evacuations have been issued. No injuries have been reported.
Roads in the area remain open, though the public is asked to avoid the area.
Approximately 20 personnel have been assigned to fight the fire along with various ground and air support units.
The fire is 0 percent contained as of 7 p.m.
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