The Babylon Fire in southeastern Utah expanded by nearly 15,000 acres over a 24-hour period, bringing the total burned area to 85,370 acres. The fire, which ignited on June 26, has become the second-largest fire in the nation, trailing only the Cottonwood Fire located in Southern Utah.
More than 500 firefighters have been working to control the blaze, which was reported at 0% containment. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, crews worked to protect structures such as Kirk Cabin, Dugout Ranch, and Bayles Ranch as the wildfire moved through the Deep Creek area toward Skull and Cross Bones.
Firefighters also focused on establishing control lines along Highway 211, Highway 71, and Elk Mountain Road. As of Friday, officials reported that four structures had been destroyed by the fire.
Multiple areas remain closed to the public, including parts of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Officials advised the public to avoid the Monticello Ranger District and stay away from BLM and Forest Service lands located south of Highway 211, west of Highway 191, and north of Highway 95.
Although officials expected increased fire activity on Friday, winds were forecasted to push the fire toward established containment lines and natural barriers.
