The Babylon Fire continues to burn in southeast Utah, mapped at approximately 102,900 acres with 21% containment. According to a Thursday morning update from Great Basin Team Two, the fire was active overnight, particularly between 10 p.m. and early Thursday morning.
A team official stated that the most active burning occurred in the Indian Creek and Twin Peaks area, which is considered the hottest part of the fire and a primary concern for crews and nearby communities. On Thursday, crews prioritized this area using helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and roughly four hotshot crews to steer the fire away from Monticello and assets such as homes and infrastructure.
Fire officials noted that steep slopes, heavy fuel loading, and unfavorable weather conditions have created challenges for firefighting efforts. To the north, crews are working near Bridger Jack Road to increase containment using drones, modules, and ground crews. On the west side, teams are operating in steep wilderness terrain where difficult elevation changes impact firefighter safety.
On the southern edge, several crews are working near the Dry Mesa area, which officials identified as a priority near the heel of the fire. Some crews have been spiking out overnight to allow for longer shifts.
Near Monticello, structure protection crews are assessing roads, access points, and homes. Officials are evaluating whether engines can safely navigate narrow or winding roads if fire activity increases. Defensive layers have been prepared east of the fire, including dozer lines, existing roads, and a halo of line around the community to provide more options if the fire moves toward Monticello.
Several zones in San Juan County remain under SET status, meaning residents should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. These include Airport, Energy, Peter’s Hill West, CY Zone 1, CY Zone 2, and SJC Zone 1.
Major closures are in effect for the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, and nearby BLM lands. Residents are advised to monitor San Juan County Emergency Management, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Fire Info, and the Manti-La Sal National Forest for updates regarding closures and evacuations.
