Babylon

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Babylon Fire ignited around 2:15 p.m. MDT on Friday, June 26, 2026. It is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, approximately 20 to 25 miles southwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah.
Size and Containment: As of July 10, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 102,932 acres and is between 21% and 25% contained. It is currently the largest active wildfire in the United States and the largest in Utah since 2018.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire initially expanded rapidly due to red flag conditions, growing from 120 acres on its first day to over 100,000 acres. It is burning in steep, rugged, and remote terrain, heavily fueled by critically dry timber and brush. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained high, particularly in the northeast corner near Shay Mountain, where fuel-driven winds have continued to push the flames through dry timber.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the Great Basin Incident Management Team 2. Over 1,350 personnel are assigned to the incident, utilizing resources that include 34 hand crews, 68 engines, 22 helicopters, 21 water tenders, and 4 dozers. Firefighters have been using infrared technology to map heat sources and directly extinguish them. Night operations have been implemented to provide round-the-clock resources to the most active parts of the fire. Crews have also focused heavily on structure protection in and around the Monticello area.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory "GO" evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: Several zones west of Monticello are in a "SET" status (pre-evacuation advisory), meaning residents should be prepared to leave on short notice. These zones include CY-1, CY-2, Peters Hill West, Airport 1, Energy, and SJC-1.
Curfew: No curfew orders have been reported for this fire at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents are advised to monitor updates from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and local emergency management.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Utah State Route 211, the scenic byway leading to the Needles District, is under closure orders from the Bureau of Land Management.
• The entire Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest is closed to the public.
• The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is closed.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info
• San Juan County Sheriff's Office
• U.S. Forest Service - Manti-La Sal National Forest

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Babylon Fire.
Structures Impacted: Crews have confirmed that 5 structures have been destroyed. This includes a historic, 60-year-old cabin located in Mormon Pasture.
School and Business Closures: Local tourism and recreational businesses are heavily impacted due to the extensive closures of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and Canyonlands National Park.
Notable Impacts: The historic Dugout Ranch is currently threatened by the fire, prompting evacuations of the property and the staging of firefighters to protect it.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major power outages have been reported, but infrastructure protection remains a priority for ground crews.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Due to extreme fire danger, strict fire restrictions are typically in effect across state and federal lands in Utah.
Air Quality: Smoke from the massive fire is visible from surrounding areas and may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in affected areas should stay indoors and limit outdoor activities when smoke is heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have achieved up to 25% containment and continue to work on the northern and southern edges of the fire perimeter. Containment efforts remain challenging due to steep terrain, dry timber, and wind conditions. Crews are strengthening control lines and directly attacking the fire where safe, while aircraft provide support with fire retardant drops to slow the fire's advance.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The fire area continues to experience hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind gusts up to 25 mph. These highly unstable atmospheric conditions, combined with critically dry fuels, are expected to support very active fire behavior in the coming days.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Babylon Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread is being driven by extreme fire weather conditions. Hot and dry conditions, combined with erratic fuel-driven winds and steep terrain, have allowed the fire to explode in size. Long-term drought and critically dry vegetation in the region have created an environment highly susceptible to megafires.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info
• San Juan County Sheriff's Office
• U.S. Forest Service - Manti-La Sal National Forest