The Widemouth 2 Fire has burned 125,082 acres and reached 36% containment as fire crews utilized specialized firing operations to secure the southwest boundary of the blaze, according to an August 12 update from InciWeb. While the western line remains secure, officials have maintained strict land closures and evacuation preparations in Millard and Sevier counties.
Firefighting Tactics and Progress
Firefighting efforts saw significant progress on Monday night, August 10, 2026, as crews completed firing operations along Interstate 15. These operations served to square up the southwest corner of the fire's perimeter, according to InciWeb. Hand crews utilized drip torches to backfire from existing containment lines, supported by drone technology to target interior fuel pockets.
These carefully timed maneuvers were designed to create a much wider barrier between the active fire and critical values at risk, including residential homes, roadways, and various mines. While the western boundary has been secured through continuous patrolling and holding tactics, crews continue to work on the eastern line. This effort involves direct suppression tactics to tie in pine stringers and address stubborn areas where the fire has been fingering out along terrain features.
Weather Forecasts and Resource Deployment
The fire has successfully extinguished a small blaze within the perimeter near Mount Catherine in the northern sector, according to InciWeb. However, the overall scale of the Widemouth 2 Fire remains massive, covering 125,082 acres. The U.S. Forest Service is currently managing the incident with 855 personnel on the ground.
Weather forecasts for August 13, 2026, indicate a shift in conditions that could influence fire behavior. Forecasters are predicting cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity, but also gusty winds and potential storms. The U.S. Forest Service noted that chances of wetting rain are higher and could be heavy in certain areas, which may lead to flooding or debris flows.
Evacuation Status and Notifications
Evacuation statuses remain a critical concern for local residents. On August 10, 2026, the City of Fillmore issued an alert stating that residents are on "SET" status, meaning they must prepare to evacuate at a moment's notice if necessary.
Officials have advised residents to monitor the Millard County and Sevier County Sheriff's social media pages for the most current evacuation levels. According to InciWeb, if residents are moved to a "GO" status, they will be notified through mobile phone alerts and door-to-door notifications.
Land Closures and Restrictions
Strict land closures remain in effect to protect public safety during ongoing suppression operations. The Fishlake National Forest issued an updated Forest Closure Order #0408-26-14, which closes designated National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Fillmore Ranger District. This order remains in effect through October 31, 2026, and supersedes all previous closures.
Simultaneously, 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 that are located north of Interstate 70, east of Interstate 15, and west of US Highway 50. These emergency orders strictly prohibit public entry and travel, with exemptions granted only to authorized firefighting personnel, law enforcement officers on official duty, or individuals with signed agency permits.
Incident Information and Contact
The Widemouth 2 Fire continues to be managed by the U.S. Forest Service out of the Fishlake National Forest in Richfield, Utah. The agency provides updates through official channels, including a dedicated email at 2026.widemouth2@firenet.gov and a contact number at 435-261-3607, with information available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
