Two Massive Utah Wildfires Are Burning Over 197000 Acres Right Now
Utah firefighters continue making progress on the Cottonwood Fire in central Utah while crews battling the Babylon Fire in the southeastern corner of the state are working to slow what has now become the largest active wildfire in the United States.
The Babylon Fire, burning in San Juan County, has grown to 101,073 acres since it was first reported on June 26. The fire remains just 11 percent contained, with 1,353 personnel assigned to the incident. Five structures have been lost, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire managers reported containment increased through tactical and strategic firefighting operations, particularly along the northern portion of the fire where infrared technology has been used to locate and extinguish lingering heat sources. Fire activity, however, continues to be intense in the northeastern section near Shay Mountain, where firefighters are contending with steep terrain, dry timber and wind-driven fire behavior. Night operations have also been implemented to provide around-the-clock suppression efforts in the most active areas.
Aircraft Operations Help With Hotspots Near Hammond Canyon
Along the southern edge of the fire, crews made progress mopping up hot spots near Hammond Canyon with assistance from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, allowing hotshot crews to work directly along portions of the fire's edge. Additional handline construction continues on the southeastern perimeter as firefighters strengthen containment lines and prepare for opportunities to directly engage the fire.
Despite isolated showers Tuesday evening that briefly moderated fire behavior, forecasters warn that hot temperatures, gusty westerly winds and extremely dry fuels will continue to create challenging conditions. Several San Juan County evacuation zones remain under SET status, while extensive closures remain in effect across the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands.
Cottonwood Fire Now 58% Contained
Meanwhile, the Cottonwood Fire in Fishlake National Forest has burned 96,333 acres and is now 58 percent contained. The fire, which began June 22, is being managed by Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #4 after assuming command Wednesday morning. A total of 1,249 personnel, including 27 crews, 49 engines and 13 helicopters, remain assigned to the incident.
Firefighters continue suppression efforts on uncontained portions of the fire while monitoring established containment lines. Crews are concentrating their work in Order Canyon, near LeBaron, around North Creek and in the Lake Peak, Eagle Point and ski resort areas.
Read More: Target Shooting Restrictions Due To Fire Activity
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Cottonwood Fire area, citing critically low humidity, high temperatures and gusty southwest winds that could increase fire activity, especially on west-facing slopes.
Although smoke impacts are expected to remain relatively light Wednesday, evacuation orders continue for HiLo Estates, Merchant Valley, Eagle Point, Arrowhead Summer Homes and nearby areas. State Highway 153 remains closed between Beaver and Junction from mileposts 3 through 35, while large closures remain in effect on both Fishlake National Forest and adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands. Stage 2 fire restrictions also remain in effect across the area as firefighters continue working to increase containment.
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