Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to reopen; Strawberry Fire 90 percent contained

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive in Great Basin National Park will reopen Friday after the Strawberry Fire was contained, the National Park Service said.

The scenic drive is set to reopen at 6 a.m., the Park Service said.

“Some park facilities remain restricted to daytime use or closed for public safety due to the recent Strawberry Fire,” the Park Service said.

Wheeler Peak Campground, Strawberry Creek Road and areas of Strawberry Canyon will remain closed “until further notice,” a news release said.

The Park Service warned that some lingering effects of the fire could pose a threat to visitors.

“Weakened trees, loose and rolling material, undetected stump holes, and still-burning material from the recent fire activity can pose a risk to public safety,” the release said.

The lightning-sparked fire was discovered Aug. 8. The Park Service said the fire is 90 percent contained at 4,657 acres.

“Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs and Lower Lehman Campground and the Lehman Caves Visitor Center are open,” the release said, and cave tours will continue as planned.

Visitors to the park can see some smoke as vegetation smolders, the Park Service said.

Contact Christian Bertolaccini at cbertolaccini@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @bertolaccinic on Twitter.