Widemouth 2

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Widemouth 2 Fire ignited from a lightning strike on July 27, 2026, at approximately 4:47 p.m. The fire started between Widemouth Canyon and Limekiln Canyon, roughly two miles southwest of Kanosh in Millard County, Utah, and has since spread into neighboring Sevier County.
Size and Containment: Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have made significant progress. As of August 16, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 129,741 acres and is currently 80% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning through timber, heavy brush, and grass in steep, rugged terrain. Initially, the fire experienced explosive, wind-driven growth fueled by triple-digit heat. On August 2, pushed by 30 mph southerly winds, the fire made a massive 9-mile run toward Fillmore, exhibiting extreme fire behavior including "smokenados" (fire whirls) and jumping containment lines.
Containment Efforts: Over 789 personnel are assigned to the incident, including 17 crews, 7 helicopters, 37 engines, 6 dozers, and 20 water tenders. Firefighters have capitalized on recent monsoonal rains to increase containment lines. Crews are currently focusing on direct suppression tactics along the eastern perimeter and monitoring ridgelines around Mount Catherine, Pioneer Peak, and Broad Canyon to secure stubborn areas of heat.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 "Go" mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas. Residents must evacuate immediately:

• Kanosh: South of 300 S, Turkey Track Lane, and Cemetery Road.
• Meadow: From 4400 S to Reservation Road.
• Sevier County: Private properties near Joseph Peak.
  Evacuation Warnings: Level 2 "Set" evacuation warnings are in place. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice:
• Kanosh: North of 300 S.
• Fillmore: All zones, including from 500 S to Reservation Road, and areas extending west and south from 500 S and Baker Lane (including eastern portions of Hwy 99 south to just past the Great Lakes Cheese Plant).
• Meadow: From Meadow Canyon Road south to 4400 S.
• Cove Fort: North of I-70 and East of I-15.
  Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation shelter has been established at the Fillmore LDS Stake Center, located at 25 S 300 W St, Fillmore, Utah. Thousands of residents across Millard and Sevier counties are impacted by these orders.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Public access restrictions and closures remain in effect for large portions of the Fishlake National Forest due to active fire and heavy equipment operations.
• Local roads within the Level 3 evacuation zones are restricted to emergency personnel and residents are advised to avoid the area.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Millard County Sheriff's Office
• Sevier County Sheriff's Office

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Tragically, two firefighting helicopter pilots were killed on August 7 when their aircraft crashed in the Fishlake National Forest while working the fire. Additionally, two firefighters previously sustained minor injuries.
Structures Impacted: At least 6 structures have been reported lost to the fire. However, firefighters have successfully defended the primary residential communities of Kanosh, Meadow, and Fillmore.
School and Business Closures: While widespread school closures are not currently applicable due to the summer season, local businesses and agricultural operations have been significantly disrupted.
Notable Impacts: The fire has had a devastating impact on local agriculture. More than 100 cattle were killed as the fire swept through grazing areas, dealing a severe blow to local ranchers and farmers whose livelihoods depend on the land.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages have been reported in connection with the fire at this time.
Water Safety: Local water supplies are being monitored closely. The primary concern is the potential for ash and debris runoff to impact water systems following heavy rains.
Burn Bans: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across much of central Utah, banning open campfires outside of developed and designated recreation sites.
Air Quality: Dense smoke has periodically impacted air quality in central Utah. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors when smoke settles into the valleys.
Flash Flooding: The most severe immediate safety concern is the risk of flash flooding and debris flows over the burn scar. Fillmore City has been actively preparing by cleaning creek beds, creating diversion ponds, and placing thousands of sandbags donated by neighboring cities.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching 80%, fire officials are optimistic about securing the perimeter. Recent precipitation—up to an inch in higher elevations—has significantly dampened fire activity. However, the fire's massive footprint means crews will be working for weeks to patrol the lines, extinguish interior hotspots, and conduct critical suppression repair.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The area has transitioned into a monsoonal weather pattern. While this provides much-needed rain to assist in suppression, the National Weather Service has issued warnings for potential flash flooding over the burn scars. Fire crews are remaining highly vigilant and have occasionally been forced off the fire line due to heavy rain and lightning hazards.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Widemouth 2 Fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 27, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire's catastrophic initial spread was driven by extreme climate conditions, including triple-digit heat, critically low humidity, and strong 30 mph winds. These dry, hot conditions allowed the fire to double in size overnight and exhibit extreme, dangerous behavior. Currently, the weather has shifted to a monsoonal pattern. While the moisture has aided firefighters, the extreme heat that baked the soil has created hydrophobic (water-repellent) ground conditions, introducing new climate-related hazards in the form of severe flash flooding and debris flows.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info
• Fishlake National Forest Updates
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map