Great Basin Team 6 officially assumed command of the Babylon Fire at 6 a.m. on July 14. The wildfire, located within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, has grown to 106,610 acres and is currently 50% contained.
Recent thunderstorms provided some precipitation to the area yesterday afternoon, which helped moderate fire behavior.
Ground crews and air support are focusing their efforts on the active eastern front of the fire. This work includes direct attack where safety permits and the strengthening of contingency lines intended to protect critical infrastructure and Monticello.
Firefighters are also working to secure and mop up the perimeter in several locations, including North Cottonwood Creek to the north, Mule Canyon and Deep Canyon to the south, and Dark Canyon to the west. These operations will continue as weather, terrain, and fire behavior allow.
Weather forecasts for today include high temperatures reaching the upper 80s. While increasing atmospheric moisture and scattered afternoon or early evening thunderstorms are expected, officials warn that these storms may bring lightning, erratic winds, and potential flash floods or debris flows.
Several areas remain under SET Status, meaning residents should be prepared but do not need to evacuate. These zones include various SJC and Monticello zones.
Significant land closures are in effect. All National Forest lands, roads, and trails within the Monticell Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest are closed to the public. Additionally, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is fully closed. The Bureau of Land Management has also closed all BLM-managed public lands west of Harts Draw Road and north through the Indian Creek Corridor to Indian Creek Falls.
The public is advised to stay out of closure areas bounded by SR-211 to the north, US-191 to the east, and SR-95 to the south to ensure firefighter safety.
