Utah Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Utah - May 20, 2026

Overview

Utah is currently experiencing elevated fire danger as a Heat Dome settles over the state, bringing widespread, well-above-average temperatures and dry conditions. Fire danger is particularly critical across southern and central Utah, where dry fuels and gusty afternoon winds are creating conditions favorable for rapid fire spread. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with national resources mobilized for several uncontained large fires across the country and elevated wildfire potential expected to persist through the summer.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildland fire activity is ongoing in the Great Basin region. In Utah, firefighters are successfully managing existing incidents while preparing for the potential of new starts driven by incoming critical fire weather. So far in 2026, Utah has recorded over 115 wildfires, with more than 84% of these incidents being human-caused.

Key Fires:
Wild Horse Fire: Located in Millard County, southwest of Leamington in the Fishlake National Forest, this lightning-caused fire has burned 7,025 acres and is currently 95% contained. The fire has been primarily fueled by grass and brush. Recent weekend storms provided moisture that helped cool hot spots, though the wet conditions temporarily hindered firefighters' ability to safely track progress along the perimeter due to unsafe walking conditions.

Goshen Canyon Fire: Located near Goshen, this fire has burned 408 acres and is currently 80% contained.

Hop Fire: Located near Fountain Green, this fire has burned 50 acres.

(Note: While not a wildland fire, a significant 3-alarm industrial fire at a Salt Lake City recycling facility on May 19 produced thick black smoke visible across the valley; the fire was successfully contained by Tuesday night.)

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land managers have been conducting prescribed fire operations across the state, including efforts by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands along the Great Salt Lake to remove invasive phragmites and restore wetland ecosystems. Additionally, the Manti-La Sal National Forest has been conducting hazardous fuels reduction projects in San Juan County. However, recent federal policy shifts emphasizing full-suppression strategies have impacted the scheduling of some prescribed burn operations on federal lands. Looking ahead, local municipalities are taking preventative measures; for example, the Town of Springdale has announced a strict prohibition on open fires and fireworks effective June 1 through October 15, 2026.

Air Quality: Smoke from recent prescribed burns and smoldering hot spots from the Wild Horse Fire may cause localized air quality impacts. Residents in affected areas should remain aware of shifting winds and use caution if sensitive to smoke.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Following a weekend storm that brought temporary moisture and freezing temperatures to parts of the state, a Heat Dome is now bringing near-record heat, with temperatures in southern Utah flirting with 100°F and the Wasatch Front seeing upper 80s to low 90s.
Forecasted Weather: A Fire Weather Watch and Red Flag Warnings have been issued for portions of southwestern and central Utah starting Wednesday afternoon through the evening. A storm system moving in will bring gusty winds of up to 40 mph, low relative humidity dropping to 8 to 12 percent, and the potential for dry lightning. This combination of strong winds, low humidity, and hot temperatures will create critical fire weather conditions, meaning any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to use common sense and extreme caution, as the vast majority of fires this year have been human-caused. One small mistake, such as dragging a trailer chain, target shooting, or leaving a poorly extinguished campfire, can lead to devastating consequences.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are actively monitoring conditions and maintaining readiness for new starts as the state transitions into an especially dangerous wildfire season exacerbated by historic lows in snowpack water equivalents.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.