The Plateau Fire Complex has grown significantly in size because of continuing burnout operations.
The complex, made up of the Plateau and West Guard Fires reached a combined size of about 127 acres Tuesday — each fire was about five acres the day before.
A release from the U.S. Forest Service says four engines and a 10-person fire module are fighting both of the fires. The service also announced a closure, effective immediately, covering the wildfire area.
The closure extends north to Forest Service Road 514 and south to the rim above McPhee Reservoir, and is bounded to the west by Forest Service Road 523 and to the east by the Plateau Creek rim. Areas within the Plateau Creek and Dry Canyon watersheds are also restricted. A detailed map of the closure can be viewed above.
Forest Service Road 514 is still open alongside reservoir access within a quarter of a mile of the closure’s south boundary.
The fires were spotted this past weekend and are believed to be caused by recent lightning strikes.