The Black Canyon Fire has expanded to more than 2,000 acres in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, prompting mandatory evacuations and widespread forest closures as firefighters battle extreme fire behavior east of Spring City and Ephraim. The lightning-caused blaze has grown significantly over the past week, fueled by high winds and low humidity.
The fire was first discovered on Friday, July 31, in rugged terrain located between and east of Ephraim and Spring City. Initially estimated at approximately 160 acres, the blaze has since grown rapidly, according to the Sanpete Messenger. On Monday, Aug. 3, the fire had expanded to roughly 500 acres with no containment reported, as noted by Mid-Utah Radio.
By Wednesday, Aug. 5, the National Interagency Fire Center reported the fire had grown to approximately 2,111 acres with zero percent containment. Although the acreage was adjusted down to 1,735.9 acres on Thursday, Aug. 6, it was subsequently readjusted back to the 2,111-acre figure, according to the Sanpete Messenger.
Firefighters are facing significant challenges due to the geography and weather conditions in the Ferron Ranger District. The blaze is burning in steep, difficult-to-access terrain along the Sanpete-Emery county line. Maureen Bonessa, the regional fire captain assigned to the incident, stated the fire is moving intensely, making quick runs through the tops of trees and burning uphill rapidly while spreading to the sides.
Barbara Van Alstine, forest supervisor for the Manti-La Sal National Forest, said the fire is demonstrating extreme behavior within Black Canyon. Van Alstine noted that personnel are engaged in full suppression operations despite challenging red flag conditions, including high winds and low humidity, emphasizing that public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority.
The rapid growth of the fire has forced local authorities to issue emergency orders for residents in Emery County. On Monday morning, the Emery County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 "Go" evacuation order for the Reeder Subdivision, a cabin development in Emery County, as weather forecasts predicted winds capable of pushing the fire over mountain crests toward the eastern slope.
Residents in the Reeder Subdivision were instructed to leave by 6 p.m. on Monday, with deputies conducting door-to-door notifications and sending emergency alerts. The evacuation order was later expanded to include the Lowry area, a remote cabin and summer-home development in Emery County. Authorities established roadblocks to prevent entry into either community, warning that smoke, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing fire conditions could block evacuation routes.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest has implemented several emergency closure orders to protect public safety and prevent human-caused ignitions. An initial order was issued on Aug. 1, which was later updated on Aug. 3 to include additional areas and roads. These orders remain in effect through Aug. 31, 2026.
The closure encompasses Forest Service lands on the Ferron Ranger District within both Emery and Sanpete Counties. Specifically, the area northeast of the Reeder Canyon Trail, east of Skyline Drive, south of Potters Canyon Road, and west of Millers Flat Road is restricted. This includes the Potters Pond Campground and its associated spur roads. Other closed routes include Spring City Canyon Road, the entirety of Reeder Ridge Road, and various Forest Service roads, including 2206, 2207, 2209, 2213, 2228, and 2232.
Violating the forest closure orders is a punishable offense. According to the U.S. Forest Service, violations constitute a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months.
While firefighters continue suppression efforts, the Manti-La Sal National Forest has urged the public to stay out of the closure area to avoid interfering with operations and to ensure personal safety. All previously announced road and forest closures remained in effect as of Tuesday, Aug. 5.
