A wildfire sparked near East Canyon Reservoir has forced the closure of Highway 66 and the north entrance of East Canyon State Park, officials said Thursday. The Rocky Canyon Fire, located northwest of the reservoir in Morgan County, is estimated to be between 8 and 10 acres as ground and air resources work to suppress the flames.
Fire Suppression Efforts
According to Utah Fire Info, the fire began Thursday afternoon and triggered immediate closures to Highway 66 to allow emergency crews to work the incident. Firefighters are currently utilizing both ground and air resources to combat the blaze, which was reported as a new start in the area as of 5:22 PM on Aug. 7, 2026.
Park Access and Power Outage
The impact of the fire has disrupted operations at East Canyon State Park. Utah State Parks announced Thursday that the north entrance gates to the park are temporarily closed due to the fire in the area. Additionally, power has been turned off at the park as a precaution.
Event Cancellations and Camper Relief
The fire has resulted in the cancellation of several scheduled activities. The Star Party scheduled for the evening of Aug. 7 and the Utah Triathlon event set for Aug. 8 have both been cancelled, according to Utah State Parks.
While general visitors are being turned away from the park until further notice, the state has provided accommodations for those with existing camping reservations. Visitors with reservations are permitted to access the park via Highway 65 rather than through the Morgan entrance. Furthermore, campers with reservations who wish to exit the park are welcome to camp on the beach at Echo State Park free of charge.
Strict Fire Restrictions
In response to the heightened fire risk, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. These regulations prohibit all open fires of any kind, including fires within established fire pits, charcoal grills, pellet grills, or any use of ash-producing fuel.
The only exception is for properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves equipped with a shut-off valve. These may be used provided they are placed in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of all flammable vegetation.
Park Background and Conditions
East Canyon State Park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, known for its International Dark Sky certification which provides an ideal environment for stargazing. The park is situated near the Mormon Pioneer Trail, a historical route used by travelers on an arduous 1,300-mile journey from the plains of Illinois to Utah.
Recent park data indicates water temperatures are at 74 degrees Fahrenheit with water levels at 64 percent. Visitors wishing to use watercraft must still secure reservations for boat decontamination, as walk-in appointments are not available.
Ongoing Monitoring
Authorities continue to monitor the Rocky Canyon Fire. Updates regarding the containment of the 8-to-10-acre blaze and the status of Highway 66 and park entrances will be shared as more information becomes available from Utah Fire Info and Utah State Parks.
