BLM Utah, working in partnership with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is continuing efforts to improve wildfire resilience and public land health through strategic fire and fuels management. This initiative covers nearly 23 million acres of public lands throughout Utah.
Utah wildfire statistics and mission
Utah averages more than 1,100 wildfires annually, which collectively burn over 160,000 acres. The mission of the program is to provide effective and safe firefighting to protect both landscapes and local communities.
Geographic structure of fire programs
The Utah Fire Program is structured into three specific geographic zones.
These include the West Desert District Fire Program, the Desert Rivers Fire Management Unit, and the Color Country and Paria River Fire Management Unit. Each of these zones is supported by dedicated aviation and fire staff. Statewide coordination and oversight for the program are based at the BLM Utah State Office located in Salt Lake City.
Recent annual fire season reports
Recent annual reports highlight varying fire seasons in the state.
In 2023, following a record snowpack and a 25% increase in summer rainfall, Utah saw one of its least active fire seasons on record. During 2024, quick response capabilities helped keep total acres burned below the five-year average, despite an increase in individual fire starts.
In 2025, while the state faced its highest level of fire activity since 2020, BLM-managed lands accounted for only 8% of the total acres burned in Utah that year.
