The Slough Canyon Fire has grown to 4,668 acres and reached 25% containment according to an August 28, 2026, update. The lightning-caused fire is burning in a remote area of the Book Cliffs on Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, located 41 miles east of Price, Utah.
The fire began on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Initial response to the blaze included two engines and two helicopters. Current fire activity includes uphill runs and activity in sage flats. Fire growth has been influenced by gusty outflow winds when storm cells move over the area.
Direct ground engagement is currently considered unsafe due to steep canyons and heavy mixed-conifer stands. Crews are working to construct containment lines on the plateau and are using natural barriers, such as ridges and bare canyon walls, to hold the fire within the steep canyons. A total of 75 personnel are assigned to the incident.
The fire is burning through timber, brush, and tall grass. Officials noted a high potential for growth due to outflow winds and the potential for rollouts in the original footprint of the fire within steep terrain. The fire is likely to continue making uphill runs from the canyons onto the plateau.
Planned actions include keeping the fire west of Chandler canyon, south of Moonwater Canyon, and east of Moonwater Point, as well as between Joe Hilch Creek and Florence Creek. Weather concerns include temperatures in the mid to high 80s and humidity in the teens. While cloud cover and precipitation chances are expected to increase, the chance of wetting rain remains at 10%.
The incident is being managed under a full suppression strategy with firefighter safety as the highest priority. The incident commander is Jason Kirks, and the incident commander trainee is Travis Moore.
