Manti-La Sal National Forest Rescinds Babylon Closure Order on Monticello Ranger District
Release Date: August 19, 2026
Contact Information: Holly Shyrer, Public Affairs Officer 435.299.2977 holly.shyrer@usda.gov
San Juan County, UT, August 20, 2026 — The Manti-La Sal National Forest announces today that the special closure order (#04-10-26-05-06) for the Babylon Burn Area on the Monticello Ranger District, including all associated road and trail closures enacted on August 13, 2026, is rescinded under Order #04-10-26-05-07.All lands within the Monticello Ranger District are now open to the public and the Babylon Fire is 100% contained. However, visitors should be aware that smoke may still be visible in isolated interior pockets, and Forest Service personnel continue to work throughout the area.While the Monticello Ranger District is now open, the entire Manti-La Sal National Forest remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, as outlined in Order #04-10-26-00-04. These restrictions help ensure public safety and reduce the risk of new wildfire starts during ongoing hot and dry conditions.Prohibited Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions:• Campfires, charcoal grills, wood stoves, smudge pots, and briquette-fueled fires
• Chainsaws or internal combustion equipment for cutting, road work, or wood gathering
• Smoking outdoors
• Welding, grinding, or use of open-flame torches
• Driving or parking off designated routes (unless on bare ground within 10 feet)
• Exploding targets, fireworks, or pyrotechnics
• Blasting or use of explosives
• Tracer or incendiary ammunition
• Operating engines without proper spark arrestorsAllowed Under Stage 2 Restrictions:• Gas or liquid-fueled stoves, grills, or fire pits with on/off switches (with 10 feet of cleared space)
• Smoking inside an enclosed vehicle or building
• Parking only in designated areas or on ground completely free of vegetation
• Activities authorized under Project Activity Levels (PAL)
• Official duties by Federal, State, or Local emergency personnelFor full details, access the Monticello Ranger District Rescinding Order and review the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Alerts page of the Manti-La Sal National Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/alertsThe Manti-La Sal National Forest thanks the public for its cooperation and ongoing commitment to fire safety. ###USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
