The National Park Service ordered all visitors to evacuate the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park on Sunday as the rapidly expanding Babylon Fire threatened the area. The wildfire, which began Saturday in the Bears Ears National Monument near Bashing, has grown significantly in recent days, prompting precautionary closures due to its progression toward Highway 211.
Rapid Fire Growth and Size
As Moab Times reported on Monday, the fire's size increased dramatically over a short period. According to Holly Shyrer, public affairs officer for the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the blaze grew from 300 acres to 16,17ly acres during a 24-hour window ending Sunday. By Monday morning, the fire had reached a total of 38,399 acres and remained 0% contained.
Reason for Park Closures
While the fire has not yet spread into Canyonlands National Park itself, officials implemented the closure because of the fire's movement north toward the park boundaries and Highway 211. The Needles Visitor Center is currently closed until further notice.
Wider Land and Area Closures
The impacts of the fire extend beyond the National Park Service's jurisdiction. The U.S. Forest Service has issued orders to close National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Dark Canyon Wilderness. Additionally, portions of Bears Ears National Monument under the Monticello Ranger District are also affected by the closure.
Duration of Closure Orders
This closure order took effect Sunday and is scheduled to remain in place through August 31, unless it is rescinded earlier. During this period, the public is prohibited from entering the affected areas, which includes a ban on driving on closed forest roads or utilizing trails within the designated closure boundary.
Specific Road and Junction Closures
Specific road closures resulting from the Babylon Fire include North Cottonwood Road, Causeway Road, and Bridger Jack Road off Highway 211. Furthermore, the junction of Kigalia and North Elk Ridge toward Big Notch is also closed to the public.
In addition to the physical closures, the National Park Service has suspended several park activities within the Needles District. These suspensions include new backcountry overnight and day-use permits, campground reservations, day hiking, and scenic driving, all of which will remain halted until the closure is officially lifted.
At this time, no evacuation orders have been issued for nearby communities. However, the U.S. Forest Service has urged all residents in the vicinity to stay informed through local officials, noting that conditions could change rapidly as the fire continues to burn.
The Babylon Fire is part of a broader trend of wildfire activity in the region, occurring as one of several wildfires currently burning across Utah amid elevated wildfire danger levels.
The National Park Service stated it will continue to provide updates regarding the Needles closure as conditions warrant. For those seeking more specific details on the fire's progress and containment status, officials recommend monitoring the fire's official InciWeb page.
