WILDFIRES
Fire crews, archaeologists worked to protect Chalk Creek Hieroglyphs against the Halfway Hill Fire
MILLARD COUNTY, Utah – Archaeologists and firefighters worked together to protect historic hieroglyphs from the Halfway Hill Fire.
Wildlife officials said the two groups came up with a protection plan for the Chalk Creek Hieroglyphs after the fire started.
“If the fire approached the site, crews would be directed to remove the heavy vegetation on top of the site and cover the rock etchings and interpretive signage with fire protection fabric, if the actions could be conducted safely,” according to the release.
They also prepared to light a backburn ahead of the primary fire to keep fire intensity near the site minimal.
Fire crews laying the protect fire fabric on the Chalk Creek Hieroglyphs (Utah Fire Info)
It wasn’t until July 12 that crews grew worried about the fire reaching the hieroglyphs as it broke containment and was one mile from the site.
Crews removed vegetation nearby the hieroglyphs, covered them with a fire protection fabric, and dug a fireline around the wooden barricade.
Fortunately, the fire did not reach the Chalk Creek Hieroglyphs that day.
However, the protection plan will remain at the site just in case the fire reaches the hieroglyphs.
