The Rocky Canyon Wildfire has reached 72% containment as of August 16, 2026, with 15,950 acres burned, according to an update from Utah Fire Info.
As terrain has dried over the last two days, the fire has begun to gain intensity again on the northwest corner. The steep terrain in the Bishop’s Canyon bowl is completely inaccessible for direct firefighting efforts, posing a threat to the Morgan area if not mitigated.
Due to the inaccessibility of the Bishop’s Canyon area, fire managers must use indirect actions to increase containment. Crews have prepared contingency lines for a potential firing operation in the Bishop’s Canyon bowl, which may be implemented later this afternoon depending on weather and ground conditions.
Firing operations involve intentionally setting controlled fires along containment lines to remove unburned vegetation between the main fire and protected areas. This process can help slow or stop the spread of fire in difficult terrain. The public should expect to see increased smoke visible to nearby communities and is advised not to call 911 to report the smoke, as fire managers are actively engaged in firing activities.
Throughout the day, crews will continue to monitor and patrol for lingering heat in containment areas. Firefighters are also working on the rehabilitation of dozer lines across the fire perimeter to support long-term stabilization and reduce future risks of erosion and flooding.
The incident management team is working with local sheriffs and emergency management to evaluate updates regarding road closures and evacuation statuses.
