Over the next 48 hours, the fire burned downslope in the leaves, twigs, and cured grasses covering the ground surface. By noon on July 4 the fire had only burned approximately 3 acres.
But the South Canyon Fire did spread and was still increasing in size over the next day. The public expressed more concern about it with numerous phone calls to fire authorities from the closest structures in Canyon Creek Estates. An initial attack resource of two BLM district engines were sent in the late afternoon of July 4 to the base of the ridge near Interstate 70. They decided it was late and to wait until morning to hike to the fire and to coordinate firefighting efforts.
A trail (E) is located approximately were firefighters approached the South Canyon Fire that first day. The trail begins off the end of a paved access road just east of the entrance to Canyon Creek Estates. You can visit the fire's location by taking this trail. The trail is the only practical access to important viewing points and the memorials on Hell's Gate Ridge.
