The Millard County Sheriff's Office ordered immediate evacuations for residents south of Kanosh on Tuesday night as the Wide Mouth 2 Fire rapidly expanded to approximately 5,000 acres with 0% containment. The blaze, which ignited in the Fishlake National Forest, has triggered emergency protocols for several surrounding areas due to erratic winds and high temperatures.
Evacuation Orders and Statuses
As Gephardt Daily first reported, the sheriff's office issued an evacuation update at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, placing the area of Turkey Track Lane and Cemetery Road under "Go" status. This designation requires residents in the specified area to evacuate their homes immediately. Additionally, the area spanning from 300 South south to State Route 91 has been placed under "Set" status, a pre-evacuation warning that instructs residents to pack essential items and prepare to leave at a moment's notice. The remainder of Kanosh, located north of 300 South, remains under "Ready" status, with officials urging residents to maintain household preparedness and stay informed.
Fire Ignition and Rapid Growth
The fire ignited on the evening of Monday, July 27, 2026, in the Fishlake National Forest lands located south of Kanosh. While the blaze was initially estimated at only 20 acres, it spread rapidly due to gusty winds from a passing thunderstorm. Officials suspect lightning may be the cause of the ignition, though the exact cause remains under official investigation. The fire is currently burning through forest fuels and brush characteristic of the Fishlake National Forest area.
Suppression and Agency Response
Approximately 150 firefighters are currently assigned to the incident, working alongside federal, state, and local fire agencies. The response includes Utah Highway Patrol troopers, sheriff's deputies, and the Millard County Jeep Posse. To support ground crews and heavy equipment, multiple aircraft are conducting retardant drops to help slow the fire's advance. Despite these intensive efforts, the fire has achieved 0% containment as of Tuesday.
Impact and Public Safety
As of Tuesday night, no injuries or structure losses have been reported in connection with the Wide Mouth 2 Fire. However, officials noted that the estimated number of people impacted remains fluid because the fire is located in a rural area. While no major state highways are reported closed, local roads south of Kanosh, specifically Turkey Track Lane and Cemetery Road, are currently restricted. Officials are urgently asking the public to avoid the general area south of Kanosh to provide necessary room for firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely.
Weather and Containment Outlook
The fire's behavior is being heavily influenced by extreme weather conditions. While the area experienced partly sunny conditions and temperatures around 79 degrees with a 40% chance of light rain on Tuesday, the long-term forecast suggests a drying and warming trend. Temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees by Friday, with humidity dropping as low as 13%. These hot, dry conditions are expected to exacerbate fire behavior and could significantly hinder containment progress throughout the week.
Shelter and Air Quality Information
A designated evacuation center has been established at the Fillmore LDS Stake Center, located at 25 S. 300 West in Fillmore. Residents in the Kanosh area have been advised to monitor local air quality, as smoke from the fire is visible from surrounding areas and may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Standard summer fire restrictions and burn bans remain in effect for Millard County and the Fishlake National Forest due to high to extreme fire danger.
Environmental and Community Impact
The Wide Mouth 2 Fire is actively impacting local wildlife habitats and restricting recreational access within the Fishlake National Forest. Although no significant power outages have been reported, the presence of smoke and the scale of the fire have created a challenging environment for both residents and emergency responders.
