Fillmore Mayor Curt Hare declared a local state of emergency on August 4, 2026, as the Widemouth 2 Fire continues to burn with 0% containment. The declaration comes as the wildfire, which has scorched over 68,000 acres, threatens more than 1,000 homes and poses a significant risk of flooding for the region.
Wildfire Rapidly Expands
The Widemouth 2 Fire, which ignited on July 26, has rapidly expanded due to strong winds and difficult terrain. According to a declaration from the City of Fillmore, the fire spread nearly 10 miles overnight in the area east of Kanosh, Meadow, and Fillmore City. As of August 3, 2026, the blaze had consumed more than 68,000 acres and remained uncontained.
Evacuations and Flooding Risks
The fire's movement has forced evacuations for several communities, including Kanosh, Meadow, and Fillmore City, as well as the Kanosh Band of Paiute Indian Tribe Reservation. In addition to the immediate threat of the flames, the City of Fillmore expressed concerns regarding anticipated flooding that could occur following significant rainfall in the burned areas.
Federal Emergency Funding
In response to the disaster, FEMA Region 8 approved a request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 2, 2026. The agency determined that the fire's potential for destruction constituted a major disaster. This federal authorization allows for the coverage of 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs, including expenses for field camps, equipment use, repair and replacement, and mobilization activities.
Limitations of Federal Aid
While the FMAG provides significant support for managing and mitigating the fire, FEMA noted that the grants do not provide direct assistance to individual home or business owners, nor do they cover infrastructure damage caused by the fire. Instead, the funds are designated for the costs of controlling and mitigating the designated fires through the President's Disaster Relief Fund.
Emergency Powers Invoked
The declaration of a local emergency by Mayor Hare serves as a legal mechanism to request mutual aid and disaster assistance from state and federal governments. It also activates local disaster response and recovery plans and authorizes the city to exercise emergency powers to protect life and property.
Community and Volunteer Support
Under the emergency order, city officials are authorized to close roads and public spaces, issue emergency alerts, and require evacuations as necessary to mitigate fire and flood conditions. The Mayor's emergency authority also allows for the engagement of community organizations for volunteer efforts and services to assist the community.
Streamlined Procurement for Relief
To expedite relief efforts, the City of Fillmore has waived formal bidding requirements for purchases made to address the fire and flood conditions. These purchases, which require verbal approval from a majority of the Fillmore City Council, are intended to support emergency responders, volunteers, and city personnel operations.
