Human-Caused Wildfire Explodes in Utah, Forcing Evacuations as Flames Spread

A rash of wildfires exploded in Utah over the weekend, forcing the evacuation of hundreds. The hot and windy weather is contributing to the fire activity. Unfortunately, the forecast is not offering much hope in the days ahead. Read on for the details of what is happening on the ground in Utah.

Update on Utah Wildfires

Early-summer heat and an ongoing drought are fueling the spread of wildfires across Utah. State officials declared a drought emergency in May, following an exceptionally dry winter season. While some of the recent fires have been blamed on human activity, Mother Nature is not helping the situation at all.

The Iron Fire is burning in the East Tintic Mountains near the community of Eureka. As of Monday morning, Utah Fire Info said that the fire had burned nearly 22,000 acres. This blaze is 0% contained.

Utah Fire Info said that the activity increased on Monday along the northwestern flank of the Iron Fire. The precarious situation has prompted evacuation orders for much of Eureka. Fortunately, no structures have been lost in the fire that ignited last Friday night. While the blaze started south of Boulter Park, the flames quickly spread across parts of Utah, Juab, and Tooele counties.

Crews are now working overnight to strengthen containment lines. The focus of the containment efforts is near the populated areas of Eureka. The Iron Fire has found plenty of dry vegetation to feast on, accelerating its spread. Smoke created by the inferno was spotted as far north as Davis and Salt Lake counties.

Although the precise cause of the Iron Fire is still under investigation, officials have confirmed that the event is human-caused. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted on X that over 75% of the state's wildfires are caused by humans, urging residents to exercise caution. Cox noted that "prevention starts with all of us.  As hot, dry, and windy conditions continue across our state, please use extra caution outdoors and help reduce the risk of new fires.”

In addition to the Iron Fire, crews are also on the scene at the Bonneville Fire in Salt Lake County. This blaze is burning above Red Butte Garden near the campus of the University of Utah. The Bonneville Fire has consumed almost 500 acres as of Monday morning. Crews have contained just 5% of this blaze. An air attack launched on Sunday helped to box the flames into the designated perimeter.

The Bonneville slowed its progress overnight Sunday thanks to higher humidity levels. While no rain fell on the fire as the clouds moved in, the additional moisture in the air helped to suppress fire activity.

Lastly, the Sawmill Fire in Iron County is still burning in the southern part of the Beehive State. This fire erupted on June 16 near Steamboat Mountain. The communities of Lund and Beryl are the closest towns to this fire. Officials believe that lightning is the cause of the Sawmill Fire. As of Monday morning, the fire has burned almost 4,000 acres and is about 15% contained.