Overview
- The Needles district of Canyonlands National Park was closed and visitors and staff were ordered to evacuate on Monday because officials said nearby fast-moving fires posed an immediate threat to the area.
- The Babylon Fire, which ignited late last week near Blanding, has exploded in size to more than 38,000 acres and remains zero percent contained as it moves toward Bears Ears and the southern edge of Canyonlands.
- The Cottonwood Fire east of Beaver has burned about 94,000 acres and prompted Gov. Spencer Cox to declare a state of emergency and ban personal fireworks statewide through July 5.
- The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a rare 'particularly dangerous situation' warning on June 25, citing the combination of high winds, hot temperatures and low humidity that is producing extreme fire behavior.
- Officials say most 2026 Utah fires are human-caused, firefighting resources are strained, at least three wildland firefighters were killed in a nearby incident, and park and forest closures plus power shutoffs are being used to reduce new ignitions and protect people and cultural sites.