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Babylon Fire Grows to About 70,735 Acres and Remains Uncontained

A forecasted west wind shift could push the uncontained blaze toward Monticello, raising the threat to homes and key infrastructure on Abajo Mountain.

The Babylon Fire is pictured near Blanding on Sunday. Four structures have been lost in the Babylon Fire, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced Tuesday.

Overview

  • Fire managers report the Babylon Fire has expanded to roughly 70,735 acres with 0 percent containment after rapid overnight growth.
  • Crews have stopped direct edge attack because of extreme behavior and steep terrain and are building a large indirect containment box using Elk Ridge Road and County Road 136 as primary lines.
  • A Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity is in effect and incident teams are preparing for a critical wind shift expected Friday and Saturday that could drive the fire east toward Monticello.
  • Extensive closures are in place, including the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park and all Forest Service and multiple BLM-managed lands near the fire, with Needles reservations canceled through July 31.
  • At least four structures have been destroyed, the cause remains under investigation, satellite imagery shows large burn scars and visible smoke, and officials held a community briefing with a live stream for residents.