Utah Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Utah - July 11, 2026

Overview

Utah is experiencing an unprecedented and severe wildfire season driven by a winter of record-low snowpack, an unusually warm and dry start to summer, and an abundance of critically dry vegetation. The 2026 season has already outpaced the previous five years combined, with more than 357,000 acres burned statewide by early July. The current National Preparedness Level is 5, indicating that national firefighting resources are heavily committed and stretched thin across the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple major, uncontained fires burning across Utah. Firefighters are battling these large-scale incidents under hot, dry, and windy conditions, while also preparing for potential new starts. Significant wildland fire activity is occurring across multiple counties, prompting evacuations, road closures, and large firefighting operations.

Key Fires:

• Babylon Fire: Located in San Juan County near Blanding and Bears Ears National Monument, this is currently the largest active fire in the state at 103,633 acres and 25% containment. The massive blaze has prompted broad emergency closures, including portions of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
• Cottonwood Fire: Burning in the Fishlake National Forest east of Beaver, this highly destructive fire has scorched 97,066 acres and is currently 58% contained. It is heavily fueled by ponderosa pine, oak, sagebrush, and grasses in rugged terrain. The fire has destroyed up to 150 structures, including over 100 condos and 30 cabins at the Eagle Point Ski Resort. State Route 153 remains closed in both directions between mileposts 2 and 25.
• Iron Fire & Cherry Fire: Located in Juab County, the Iron Fire has burned 41,842 acres and the Cherry Fire has burned 34,252 acres. Both fires are currently reported as 100% contained, with crews continuing to monitor the perimeters and patrol for hotspots.
• Snyder Fire: Burning near the Utah-Colorado border in Grand County on Snyder Mesa, this fire has reached 30,202 acres and is 98% contained. Crews are using aircraft and heavy equipment to protect communities and strengthen containment lines.
• Wild Goose Fire: Located east of Holden in Millard County, this fire has burned 12,665 acres and is currently 88% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to extreme fire danger, persistent hot and dry weather, and an increase in statewide fire activity, interagency fire officials have implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions across all state lands, unincorporated private lands, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands, and National Park Service lands. This prohibits all open fires of any kind, including campfires, charcoal grills, and the use of internal combustion engines without spark arrestors. Additionally, a temporary statewide fireworks restriction has been enacted, and target shooting has been temporarily restricted on Wildlife Management Areas in 16 Utah counties.
Air Quality: Billowing smoke from the Cottonwood, Babylon, and other regional fires continues to blanket surrounding areas. Smoke columns remain high enough to be seen from around the state, significantly affecting air quality at popular vacation spots such as Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Residents and visitors should be aware and use caution, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: An excessive heat warning has been issued for most Utah valleys, with temperatures expected to remain above seasonal norms in the triple digits over the weekend.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Red Flag Warning that remains in effect from noon today to midnight MDT tonight for wind and low relative humidity. The affected areas include the Color Country West Desert, Color Country Mountains, and Grand Staircase. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected, combined with relative humidity dropping as low as 6 percent. Critical fire weather conditions are expected, and any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be extremely mindful of fire traffic and to strictly adhere to all Stage 2 fire restrictions and forest closures. With the landscape critically dry, it is vital to prevent human-caused sparks—ensure trailer chains are not dragging, avoid parking on dry grass, and respect all local fire and fireworks bans. Communities near active fires should have an emergency plan in place and remain ready for potential evacuation orders.
Resource Allocation: With the National Preparedness Level at 5, firefighting resources are stretched thin. Agencies are prioritizing the protection of life and property while managing these large-scale, complex incidents.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Utah Fire Info: www.utahfireinfo.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.