Bonneville

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Bonneville Fire was officially reported on June 21, 2026 (igniting the evening prior around 5:55 p.m.), in steep terrain just north of the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute near 1950 E. Circle of Hope Drive in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 566 acres and is 84% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire initially spread quickly through dry grass, brush, and oak, growing to 200 acres within a couple of hours and eventually cresting Mount Van Cott. Recent fire behavior has been minimal, mostly creeping and smoldering in the understory of oak and larger vegetation.
Containment Efforts: Unified Command includes the Salt Lake City Fire Department, Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the U.S. Forest Service, and University Police, managed by the Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team. Firefighters have successfully created a fire break around the entire perimeter and are cooling remaining heat sources. As containment increases, resources are being released to assist with other needs in the state.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place, with an estimated 0 people impacted.
Evacuation Warnings: A previous "READY" status for the Arlington Hills neighborhood (11th Avenue to Tomahawk Drive) was lifted on Monday, June 22. Currently, 0 people are under evacuation warnings. An initial shelter-in-place order for University of Utah students was also lifted shortly after the fire began.
Curfew: There are no curfew orders in effect for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters are currently open as there are no active evacuation orders.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• While major roads remain open, the public is urged to avoid the area near Red Butte Canyon Road and Tomahawk Drive to not impede firefighter traffic.
• Several local trails are strictly closed for safety due to internal hot spots, including the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, City Creek Trail, Dry Creek Trail, and Red Butte Trail.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Drones are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with by law enforcement.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Salt Lake City Fire Department
• Utah Department of Natural Resources

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities among civilians or firefighters.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been damaged or destroyed. The fire came close to the University of Utah campus and medical facilities, but structure protection crews successfully defended the area.
School and Business Closures: The University of Utah remains open. Nearby attractions like Red Butte Gardens and the Natural History Museum of Utah remain open, though the public is advised to take extra precautions.
Notable Impacts: The fire threatened the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute early on. Additionally, wildlife displacement has been reported, with rattlesnakes spotted in nearby parking garages as they fled the fire.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents are reminded of high fire danger in the state, and strict adherence to local fire restrictions and burn bans is advised.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has settled into the Salt Lake Valley, impacting air quality. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors and monitor local air quality indexes.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire managers are confident in reaching full containment soon. Crews will continue to strengthen fire lines and mop up internal heat pockets. The public is warned that while the perimeter is contained, internal pockets of heat and fire remain, making the closed trail areas extremely dangerous.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Conditions remain hot and dry, with temperatures in the 90s and very low humidity. While no specific Red Flag Warnings are currently active for this fire perimeter, the hot and dry weather could increase internal fire activity once the sun hits the slopes.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Bonneville Fire is human-caused, though the specific mechanism is still under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Utah declared a drought emergency earlier in the year following a warm winter and record-low snowpack. The vegetation dried out a month earlier than usual, creating tinder-dry conditions. These extreme climate factors, combined with hot, dry weather and low humidity, significantly contributed to the fire's initial rapid spread.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Salt Lake City Fire Department
• Utah Department of Natural Resources