Utah Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Utah - May 11, 2026

Overview

Utah is facing an "especially dangerous" early wildfire season due to a winter of record warmth and a historically low snowpack that registered at about one-fifth of the normal amount. The state is experiencing historic lows in rivers and lakes alongside expanding Extreme Drought conditions. This combination of factors has led to an early start to the wildfire season, with above-normal significant wildland fire potential identified for southern Utah this month, which is expected to expand statewide by mid-summer.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, large-scale active wildland fire incidents have been relatively limited, but the state has already recorded over 115 wildfires in 2026, with more than 84% being human-caused. While recent cooler weather and isolated rains temporarily halted major active fires, firefighters and heavy equipment operators are actively working on fuel mitigation and monitoring conditions as a strong drying trend resumes.

Key Fires:

• Goshen Canyon Fire: A human-caused fire that burned 408 acres in Utah County last month, serving as a stark reminder of early-season risks.
• Milrace Fire: Located near I-15 in Utah County, this human-caused fire burned 75 to 100 acres. It was notably fueled by phragmites in marshy terrain, which limited crew access and caused smoke impacts on interstate traffic.
• Maple Road Fire: Started on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Millard County east of Holden. This human-caused fire burned approximately 3.2 acres. Crews have stopped its progression and are currently in the mop-up stages. It initially threatened a structure and multiple outbuildings, but the risk has been successfully mitigated.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Agencies are taking advantage of current conditions to conduct critical land management activities to reduce fuel loads. The Manti-La Sal National Forest is conducting extensive prescribed fire operations in the south zone, including the North Elk Ridge Prescribed Fire (targeting over 7,150 remaining acres) and the Shingle Mill Prescribed Fire (4,300 acres). Additionally, prescribed pile burns are being conducted in the Old Town and Lower Deer Valley areas of Park City and Summit County. In the Wasatch Back, Park City enacted fire restrictions on May 1, banning open flames and fireworks in city limits.

Air Quality: Smoke from the prescribed burns in Park City, Summit County, and the Manti-La Sal National Forest will be visible and may settle in valleys overnight. Drift smoke may also blow into the basin from Upper Millcreek Canyon. Residents in these areas should be aware and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions in northern Utah, including Salt Lake City, are currently sunny with temperatures ranging from the 50s up to 80°F, and low humidity around 20%.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings have been issued for the northwest corner of Utah, including Box Elder to Weber County, the northern Wasatch front, the Salt Lake Valley, and into Utah County. Hot temperatures, gusty southwesterly winds (with gusts up to 27-40 mph), and critically dry vegetation are creating a high fire risk.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: State officials are urging residents to use extreme caution, as one small mistake—such as a poorly extinguished campfire or a dragging trailer chain—can lead to devastating consequences. Residents are advised to make an emergency plan, identify evacuation routes, pack go-bags, and clear a 5-foot buffer of combustible material around their homes.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are actively monitoring the Red Flag conditions and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas before the peak of the summer fire season.

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
Utah Department of Environmental Quality (Wildfire Tracker): deq.utah.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.