The U.S. Forest Service issued an order on August 18, 2026, closing large portions of the Fishlake National Forest to the public to ensure safety during the ongoing Widemouth 2 Fire. The closure, which takes effect at 6:00 P.M. on August 19, 2026, remains in place through October 31, 2026, to protect residents and visitors from fire hazards and post-fire conditions.
Strict Prohibitions and Penalties
The closure order, signed by Forest Supervisor Michael T. Elson, prohibits individuals from entering or being in the restricted area, using roads, or traveling on trails within the fire perimeter. The order specifically targets the Fillmore Ranger District of the Fishlake National Forest. Under the order, violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or up to six months of imprisonment.
Exemptions to the Order
According to the U.S. Forest Service, certain exemptions apply to the order. Federal, State, and Local officers, as well as members of organized rescue or firefighting forces performing official duties, are permitted access. Additionally, individuals holding a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48, which grants permission to use restricted roads, trails, or areas, are exempt from the order.
Limited Road Access
While most roads and trails within the fire perimeter are closed, the Forest Service has designated specific exceptions to maintain connectivity. Forest Road 103 Sand Rock Ridge and Forest Road 106 Kanosh Canyon/Three Creeks will remain open to through traffic only. Furthermore, Forest Road 096 will be open for day use only from the intersection with Willow Creek road 102 north to Coffee Peak, due to the presence of an open fire line in the area.
Origins of the Blaze
The Widemouth 2 Fire was ignited by a natural lightning strike on July 27, 2026, approximately six miles south of Kanosh, Utah. The blaze is located within the Fillmore District of the Fishlake National Forest and has grown to encompass 114,957 acres.
Containment and Management
As of August 9, 2026, the fire reached a containment level of 27%. The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Tony Demasters and Tyler Hecht, has been managing the incident. Officials estimated an estimated containment date of August 30, 2026.
Extreme Fire Behavior
The wildfire has been fueled by extremely dry juniper and oak, alongside two-foot-tall brush and six-foot-tall chaparral. This combination of fuel and weather has led to significant fire behavior, including extreme crowning, group torching, and long-range spotting. The fire's rapid spread is exacerbated by high heat intensity and the potential for erratic wind flows caused by gusty outflow winds from dry thunderstorms.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting strategies currently include an indirect confinement strategy alongside direct extinguishment on the south and east flanks. Management teams are focused on providing point protection to keep the fire north and west of Interstate 70 and the communities of Joseph, Elsinore, and Richfield. Monitoring continues from Kanosh to Fillmore to manage the fire's expansion.
