The Buck Basin Fire grew to approximately 2ng acres on July 14, burning through heavy dead standing fuels in mixed conifer and aspen stands southeast of Heber City. The U.S. Forest Service announced that while the lightning-caused blaze has expanded, fire crews made progress establishing an initial anchor point for future operations.
Firefighting Progress and Aerial Challenges
The wildfire is located in the Buck Basin area, roughly four to five miles northwest of the Currant Creek Reservoir. According to the U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the fire's path has been complicated by the presence of heavy dead standing fuels within the conifer and aspen stands.
Firefighting resources have made measurable progress in building an initial anchor point, which will serve as a foundation for future shifts in containment efforts. However, aerial operations faced interruptions due to changing weather conditions. While air support successfully utilized bucket drops to combat the flames, crews were unable to continue aerial operations in the afternoon after the weather picked up.
Road Closures and Community Safety
As of July 15, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service has issued several road closures in response to the fire's activity. Red Creek Mountain Road FS080 and Low Pass Road FS106 are currently closed to the public.
Despite the growth of the fire, officials stated there are no reported threats to any communities or structures at this time. The Forest Service also cautioned residents that smoke remains visible from Highway 35, Highway 40, and the surrounding areas, but requested that the public refrain from reporting the smoke sightings.
Resources Deployed to Fire Line
A significant deployment of personnel and equipment is active on the fire line. The resources assigned to assist operations today include two engines, two Type 2 crews, two Type 1 helicopters, water tenders, a grader, and scoopers.
Crews were specifically focused on working the northern section of the fire during recent operations. Investigators have officially determined that lightning was the cause of the Buck Basin Fire.
Ongoing Monitoring
The fire continues to be monitored by the Heber-Kamas Ranger District as crews work through the heavy fuels. The ongoing presence of smoke and the closure of forest roads remain the primary impacts on the local area.
