The Widemouth 2 Fire has expanded to 111,306 acres in the Fishlake National Forest, prompting emergency crews to scout for evacuation trigger points between Meadow and Fillmore as the blaze grows significantly. The lightning-caused fire, which began on July 27, 2026, six miles south of Kanosh, has seen rapid expansion, growing by more than 30,000 acres in a single 24-hour period.
Rapid Fire Expansion
According to an update from InciWeb on August 3, 2026, the fire has reached a size of 111,306 acres with only 24% of the perimeter contained. Fire officials noted that the blaze did not slow through the evening of August 2, and significant growth is expected due to predicted weather and active fire behavior. The fire is located within the Fillmore District of the Fishlake National Forest and is fueled by extremely dry juniper and oak, along with six-foot chaparral and two-foot brush.
Emergency Response Efforts
Firefighting operations are currently focused on protecting structures and securing lines from Kanosh to Fillmore. The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2 is leading the response, with Tony Demasters and Tyler Hecht serving as incident commanders. As of August 8, 2026, a total of 373 personnel are assigned to the incident. InciWeb reports that crews are working to utilize engines and bulldozers to protect structures along the corridor from Meadow to Fillmore.
Evacuation Coordination
Evacuations are being coordinated as the fire's north and east flanks continue to expand. The Millard County Sheriff's office is working with Department of Public Safety helicopters to evacuate campers located along the east flank. Officials are also identifying specific trigger points to determine when homes between Meadow and Fillmore must be evacuated as the fire moves toward new structures.
Emergency Notification History
The current fire activity follows a history of extreme weather and environmental shifts in the region. In April 2021, the Millard County Sheriff's office transitioned to the AlertSense emergency notification system to better manage alerts for both emergency and non-emergency incidents that could impact residents. This system allows for notifications via text, email, pager, or voicemail to ensure residents receive timely information during crises.
Flood and Debris Risks
In addition to the immediate threat of flames, meteorologists and officials are monitoring the environmental impact of the blaze. The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office maintains monitoring for burn scars and debris flow threat areas, as fire activity can significantly increase the risk of flash flooding and mudslides in areas where vegetation has been destroyed. While specific debris flow threats for this incident were not detailed in the latest briefing, the presence of large-scale burn scars is a known hazard for the region.
Outlook for Containment
The current estimated containment date for the Widemouth 2 Fire is August 15, 2026. However, officials warned that the fire has the opportunity for continued large growth. Residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates as the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team continues to battle the lightning-caused blaze.
Community Safety Focus
As the wildfire continues to impact the Fishlake National Forest, the focus remains on structure protection and managing the rapid expansion of the fire's perimeter. The coordination between the Sheriff's office, DPS, and federal fire management teams remains critical to protecting the communities of Kanosh and Fillmore.
