The Widemouth 2 Fire has expanded to 114,957 acres as firefighters work to maintain 27% containment, according to the latest data from InciWeb on August 9, 2026. The lightning-caused blaze, which began on July 27, 2026, six miles south of Kanosh, continues to burn through the Fishlake National Forest.
Active Fire Conditions
Firefighting efforts remain intensive as crews combat the flames in the Fillmore District of the Fishlake National Forest. According to InciWeb, the fire is fueled by extremely dry juniper and oak alongside six-foot chaparral and two-foot brush, contributing to highly active fire behavior.
State and Federal Response
The fire's rapid growth has prompted high-level government involvement. On Aug. 6, 2026, Governor Spencer J. Cox, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, and various local leaders conducted a multi-county site visit to assess response and recovery efforts for both the Widemouth 2 Fire and the Cottonwood Post-Fire. The visit included a briefing with wildland fire leadership in Millard County and a funding commitment signing in Beaver County.
Impact on Hunting Seasons
The Widemouth 2 Fire has already impacted local wildlife management and hunting plans. On Aug. 7, 2026, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources approved hunting relief for several units due to the active fire season, including the Fillmore and Pahvant units. These relief measures address impacts on habitat for deer, elk, black bears, and mountain goats.
Regional Fire Activity
The Widemouth 2 Fire is part of a broader, active fire season across Utah. In addition to the Widemouth 2 blaze, officials have been monitoring the Cottonwood Fire, which has necessitated discussions regarding post-fire flooding mitigation in Beaver County.
Ongoing Management
As of Aug. 9, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service continues to manage the incident through the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2. While no specific closures were listed in recent InciWeb updates, officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the fire's perimeter remains highly active.
Future Outlook
The Widemouth 2 Fire remains a significant incident for the region, with an estimated containment date of Aug. 15, 2026, according to earlier reports from InciWeb. Local leaders continue to coordinate with state and federal agencies to manage the impact on local communities and natural resources.
