Iron

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Iron Fire ignited around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, on private land approximately 4 miles northwest of Eureka in Juab County, Utah. It has since burned across portions of Juab, Utah, and Tooele counties.
Size and Containment: As of Sunday evening, June 28, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 41,467 acres and has reached 77% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, grass, sagebrush, and scattered juniper, the fire exhibited rapid growth due to single-digit humidity and gusty winds. It grew explosively from 1,000 acres to over 13,000 acres within its first 24 hours.
Containment Efforts: Command of the incident is under Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 3. Firefighters have conducted direct and indirect suppression operations, including highly successful backburn operations on the north side of Eureka to protect the town. Crews are currently focused on securing the fire line around structures and strengthening established containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Previous Level 3 "Go" mandatory evacuation orders for the towns of Eureka, Mammoth, and Silver City were lifted on Sunday, June 28, at noon. Residents have been allowed to return home.
Evacuation Warnings: Eureka, Mammoth, and Silver City remain in a "Set" status. Residents are urged to remain prepared and keep go-bags ready in case fire behavior shifts and necessitates another evacuation. "Go" status continues to be in place for Chimney Rock Pass and immediately affected surrounding ranches.
Curfew: No specific curfews are currently reported.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Shelters were established to assist displaced residents at the Elberta LDS Chapel (15456 S 12800 W St, Elberta, Utah), the Goshen LDS Chapel (75 S Center St, Goshen, Utah), and the Vernon LDS Church (280 Main St, Vernon, Utah).

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Highway 6 between Elberta and Eureka was closed for several days but officially reopened on Sunday, June 28, at noon.
• Portions of Highway 36 and Old Highway 148 have experienced closures and traffic impacts.
• Residents and the public are heavily advised to avoid active fire areas to allow firefighting personnel and heavy equipment room to work safely.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Juab County Sheriff's Office
• Watch Duty - Utah Wildfire Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Iron Fire.
Structures Impacted: Thanks to successful backburn operations and the efforts of local agencies and volunteers, no primary structures or homes have been lost to the Iron Fire.
School and Business Closures: The multi-day evacuation heavily disrupted everyday life and local businesses in Eureka, leaving many residents temporarily without income or access to their workplaces.
Notable Impacts: The entire town of Eureka, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents, was forced to evacuate for several days, causing significant emotional and economic disruption.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major power outages have been reported in connection with the Iron Fire over the last 72 hours.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents returning home should monitor local municipal advisories.
Burn Bans: Due to extreme fire danger, strict fire restrictions and burn bans are in effect across Juab County and much of Utah.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted air quality across several cities, including Salt Lake City, Moab, and neighboring states. Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity when smoke is present.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 77%, fire officials are optimistic about the safety of Eureka moving forward. Firefighters will continue mop-up operations and secure the fire's edge using direct firefighting tactics along the north side. However, officials warn that the fire remains a multi-day event, and unburned pockets of vegetation could still torch and throw embers if winds increase.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Red Flag Warnings remain a significant concern for the region due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. Extreme heat and critically dry fuels continue to complicate firefighting efforts across the state.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: Authorities have determined the Iron Fire to be human-caused, having started on private land. The exact circumstances of the ignition remain under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's explosive behavior was heavily influenced by extreme weather and climate factors. Utah is experiencing severe to extreme drought, exacerbated by the 2025–2026 winter, which had one of the lowest recorded snowpacks for the state. This left vegetation and fuels historically dry. The region is currently enduring widespread heatwaves, prolonged dry spells, and critically low humidity, creating prime conditions for rapid wildfire spread.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Juab County Sheriff's Office
• Watch Duty - Utah Wildfire Map