The Manti-La Sal National Forest closed the entire Monticello Ranger District on Monday after the Babylon Fire grew to 48,258 acres and destroyed multiple structures. The wildfire, which began near Bears Ears National Monument on June 26, has pushed through San Juan County, prompting widespread public land restrictions.
Details of district closure
According to a report by Moab Times, the Forest Service order took effect at noon on Monday and applies to all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the district. The closure is scheduled to remain in place through Aug. 31, though officials noted it could be lifted earlier if fire conditions allow for reopening.
Current fire containment status
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Babylon Fire remained 0% contained. An updated incident report indicated that strong winds and dry conditions pushed the flames northwest on Monday. Fire crews are currently utilizing indirect containment strategies, relying on natural terrain features and barriers to slow the fire's progress through steep and rugged landscape.
Reported property and structure damage
The wildfire has caused significant property damage in the region. The incident report confirmed that four structures have been destroyed by the fire, including one facility owned by The Nature Conservancy and three Forest Service-owned cabins: the Scorup Cabin, Pitosca Cabin, and King Edward’s Mine Cabin.
Fire origin and park impacts
The fire first ignited on Friday, June 26, near Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County, approximately 70 miles southeast of Moab. While the fire has burned through areas near Blanding, it has not yet crossed into Canyonlands National Park, though the National Park Service had previously ordered evacuations and closed the Needles District due to the fire's northward movement.
BLM land prevention orders
In addition to the Forest Service closures, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a separate fire prevention order. This order closes large sections of land west of Harts Draw Road and encompasses portions of the Indian Creek corridor, Shay Mesa, Beef Basin, Dark Canyon, and Sweet Alice areas.
Local road closure information
Local road closures in San Juan County have also been implemented. Affected routes include North Cottonwood Road, Causeway Road, Bridger Jack Road off Utah Highway 211, and the junction of Kigalia and North Elk Ridge toward Big Notch.
Environmental conditions across the region remain hazardous. Moab's air quality was categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups on Tuesday afternoon due to smoke from the Babylon Fire and other large Utah wildfires, such as the Cottonwood Fire in south-central Utah.
A Red Flag Warning was in effect Tuesday afternoon for several counties, including San Juan and Grand, driven by low humidity, gusty winds, and dry conditions, according to Utah Fire Info.
A complex incident management team is scheduled to take command of the Babylon Fire at 6 a.m. Wednesday to continue suppression efforts. Officials stated that crews are prioritizing firefighter safety due to the rapidly changing fire conditions and difficult terrain.
While no evacuations have been ordered for nearby communities, an incident update urged residents and visitors to stay alert and follow all local guidance as the situation evolves.
