Wild Horse

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Wild Horse Fire ignited around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, southwest of Leamington in Millard County, Utah, within the Fishlake National Forest.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 7,025 acres and has reached 100% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire was primarily fueled by dry grass, sagebrush, brush, and pinyon-juniper. Driven by gusty winds through steep, rocky terrain, the fire exhibited a rapid rate of spread initially, doubling in size within hours of ignition and eventually growing to over 7,000 acres before weather conditions eased.
Containment Efforts: More than a dozen local, state, and federal fire agencies, operating under a Type 4 fire management team, responded to the incident. Air attacks dropped retardant and water in critical locations, while ground crews successfully completed firing operations tied into nearby cliffs to secure the perimeter. Recent weekend storms and winter-like weather brought moisture that significantly aided firefighters in cooling hot spots and achieving full containment.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There were no mandatory evacuation orders issued for this incident.
Evacuation Warnings: No evacuation warnings were issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Since no evacuations were ordered, no shelters were required to open.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Leamington Pass Road was closed to ensure firefighter and public safety.
• Fool Creek Road was closed to ensure firefighter and public safety.
• Power lines in the area were temporarily de-energized for safety during the height of the fire but have since been restored.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• Millard County Sheriff's Office
• U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Wild Horse Fire.
Structures Impacted: Ten structures in the Fool Creek area were initially threatened by the fire. However, due to successful defensive firing operations, these structures were protected, and no structures were damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or major business closures were reported due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire produced a highly visible plume of smoke near the mountain during its peak activity. Local power infrastructure was temporarily threatened, prompting brief proactive de-energization to ensure safety.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Temporary power shutoffs occurred early in the incident to protect infrastructure and firefighters, but power service was quickly restored.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should continue to follow local and state seasonal fire restrictions and advisories.
Air Quality: Smoke impacts have dissipated following the full containment of the fire and the arrival of storm systems that cleared the air.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is now 100% contained. Over the last 72 hours, crews have transitioned away from active suppression, though local authorities may continue to monitor the area for any residual smoldering. The forward progression of the fire has been completely stopped.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The extreme wind conditions (with gusts previously recorded up to 88 mph in nearby areas) that initially drove the fire have subsided. A recent low-pressure system brought cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and precipitation, which eliminated critical fire weather threats and allowed for full containment.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Wild Horse Fire was caused by a lightning strike.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather played a major role in the fire's initial rapid growth. A low-pressure system north of Utah brought strong, gusty winds and dry conditions that exacerbated the spread through steep terrain. Conversely, a subsequent shift in the weather pattern brought cooler temperatures and wet winter-like storms to central Utah, which ultimately played a pivotal role in halting the fire's advance and assisting crews in fully containing the blaze.

For more information, visit:

• Utah Fire Info Official Website
• U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest
• Utah Wildfire on X (formerly Twitter)