The Widemouth 2 Fire has reached 93% containment, having burned more than 129,000 acres across the Fishlake National Forest, according to the latest data from InciWeb on Aug. 20, 2026. The massive wildfire, which ignited on Aug. 4, 2026, has consumed a vast expanse of land, prompting long-term closures of National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands through the end of October.
Containment and Scale
Containment and Scale
As of Aug. 20, 2026, the Widemouth 2 Fire is estimated to have burned 129,741 acres. While fire managers have made significant progress in securing the perimeter, the scale of the blaze remains a major incident for the U.S. Forest Service.
Earlier in the month, the fire's footprint and containment levels fluctuated significantly. On Aug. 13, 2026, the fire was reported to be 50% contained with 129,574 acres burned and 861 personnel assigned to the effort. By Aug. 9, 2026, the blaze had burned 111,306 acres and was only 24% contained, according to InciWeb data.
Firefighting Progress and Weather
Firefighting Progress and Weather
During the mid-August period, firefighting efforts focused on specific boundaries and mitigation. On Aug. 13, 2026, fire managers reported progress along the northeast boundary, where the fire was tying into the Halfway Hill burn scar. Crews were also engaged in direct extinguishment to the south and were performing mop-up operations between the 97 and 106 roads.
In addition to active firefighting, heavy equipment has been utilized in certain areas to perform work intended to mitigate future drainage issues resulting from the fire. Despite the high containment percentage, officials noted on Aug. 13, 2026, that fire managers urged crews to stay the course and avoid complacency.
Weather conditions have played a critical role in fire behavior. On Aug. 13, 2026, officials reported that while rainfall within the fire perimeter was minimal, the southeast corner along Interstate 15 received approximately a quarter inch of rain. However, the landscape toward Interstate 70 remained described as "bone dry." Forecasts for the period following Aug. 13, 2026, predicted a trend toward reduced moisture, lower relative humidity, and warmer temperatures, which could impact fire behavior.
Area Closures and Restrictions
Area Closures and Restrictions
To protect public health and safety during the fire and subsequent containment, several strict closure orders have been implemented. On Aug. 4, 2026, the Fishlake National Forest issued Closure Order #0408-26-14, which remains in effect until Oct. 31, 2026, unless rescinded. This order prohibits entering or being in the area, as well as travel on roads and trails within the designated area of the Fillmore Ranger District.
The area subject to the Forest Service closure includes lands beginning at the administrative Forest boundary and Forest Road 106, moving north to Section 35, T20S, R3W, then east to Section 33, T20S, R3W and the administrative Forest boundary. The boundary continues south along the administrative Forest boundary to Clear Creek Canyon road, then west following Clear Creek Canyon to the junction with Interstate 70, west following Interstate 70 to Forest Road 888, and finally north along the administrative Forest boundary back to Forest Road 106.
Concurrently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fillmore Field Office issued Fire Prevention Order UT-W002-26-07. This order closes all BLM-administered public lands in Millard County located north of Interstate 70, east of Interstate 15, and west of US Highway 50. Both orders strictly prohibit public entry and travel, with exemptions reserved exclusively for authorized firefighting personnel, law enforcement officers performing official duties, or individuals holding signed agency permits.
Public Safety and Enforcement
Public Safety and Enforcement
The Forest Service has emphasized that these closures are necessary for public safety during the Widemouth 2 Fire and the post-fire containment phase. Violations of the Forest Service order are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, which can include fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor the Millard County and Sevier County Sheriff's social media pages for updates regarding evacuation levels. In the event of a "GO" evacuation order, residents will be notified via mobile phone alerts and door-to-door notifications. For more information regarding the Forest Service orders, the Fishlake National Forest Supervisor's Office in Richfield or the Fillmore Ranger District Office are the primary points of contact.
