American Red Cross of Utah volunteers continued staffing an emergency shelter early Monday, June 22, to provide disaster support for hundreds of Eureka residents forced to evacuate as the fast-moving Iron Fire threatened their community. The shelter, located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elberta, serves as a primary refuge for families displaced by the blaze.
Iron Fire Rapid Expansion
The Iron Fire has burned more than 22,000 acres since it began on Friday night, June 19. As of Sunday night, June 21, the fire was 0% contained. The blaze originated on private land west of Eureka and has since spread onto federal land near the borders of Juab, Tooele, and Utah counties.
State and local officials have warned that the fire remains a significant threat due to ongoing dangerous conditions. Dry weather, gusty winds, and low humidity continue to fuel the fire's movement, making containment efforts difficult for emergency responders.
Displaced Residents Seek Refuge
The Red Cross of Utah is collaborating with emergency management officials and local partners to assist those affected by the fire. To support the evacuees, the Utah Food Bank provided food and beverages that residents could take with them from the shelter location at 15331 S 12800 W in Elberta.
Benjamin Donner, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, noted the emotional toll the fire has taken on the local population. Being forced to leave their homes has had a profound impact on the people of Eureka, leaving families displaced and waiting for word on when it will be safe to return, Donner said.
Statewide Drought Emergency
The current wildfire emergency comes during a period of heightened risk for the state. Utah remains under a statewide drought emergency following the state’s warmest winter and its lowest snowpack on record. Currently, 100% of Utah is experiencing drought conditions, with 59% of the state classified as experiencing extreme drought.
The National Interagency Fire Center has projected above-normal significant fire potential for the region. Specifically, the agency anticipates higher risks in far southwest Utah, in higher elevations by June, and across much of the state by July.
Historical Wildfire Trends
The intensity of the current season follows a highly active 2025 wildfire season. Last year, nearly 165,000 acres burned in Utah, marking the most active season since 2020 and surpassing the combined totals of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons.
During the 2025 season, state officials reported a total of 1,161 wildfires. The estimated cost for fire suppression during that period reached $191.8 million.
Wildfire Preparedness Guidelines
To prepare for potential evacuations, the Red Cross encourages residents in high-risk areas to identify multiple evacuation routes and sign up for local emergency alerts. Officials recommend keeping a go-kit ready containing water, medications, important documents, phone chargers, clothing, cash, and hygiene items.
Additional safety measures include moving flammable items like outdoor furniture, firewood, and dry leaves away from homes, as well as keeping vehicles fueled or charged and parked facing out. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, dispose of cigarettes properly, and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass during periods of high fire danger.
