The Babylon Fire has grown to 106,610 acres with 54% containment, according to a July 15, 2026, update from the U.S. Forest Service. Crews are currently utilizing weather opportunities to engage in direct attack and complete fire lines intended to protect local communities and critical infrastructure.
Weather conditions are expected to include high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s with southeast winds turning southerly in the afternoon, bringing gusts up to 18 mph. A 65-75% chance of scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms is forecasted through the end of the week.
While increased moisture from wetting rains may moderate fire behavior, officials noted that thunderstorms could produce lightning, strong or erratic outflow winds, flash floods, and debris flows. These conditions increase hazards and the potential for new starts near the fire area.
Several areas remain under SET evacuation status, including SJC Zones SJC-1, SJC-2, SJC-4, SJC-Dude Ranch, CY1, CY2, Peter's Hill West, Airport, and EnergyMonticello Zones MC-1, MC-3, MC-4, MC-7, MC-8, MC-10, MC-11, MC-12, MC-17, MC-18, MC-19, MC-20, and MC-22.
Public land closures are in effect for all National Forest lands, roads, and trails within the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Additionally, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is fully closed. The Bureau of Land Management has also temporarily closed public lands west of Harts Draw Road and north through the Indian Creek Corridor to Indian Creek Falls, affecting areas such as Shay Mesa, Beef Basin, Dark Canyon, and the Sweet Alice Wilderness Study Area.
As containment increases, fire teams will begin removing excess equipment and resources. Suppression repair work is also underway in some affected areas to return them to pre-fire conditions. Anyone not involved in firefighting operations must stay out of closure areas bounded by SR-211 to the north, US-191 to the east, and SR-95 to the south.
