- Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency due to escalating wildfires in Utah.
- The order activates emergency operations, allowing National Guard deployment and resource allocation.
- Nearly 700 fires have burned 115,000 acres, costing over $100 million this year.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has issued a state of emergency in response to escalating wildfires across the state.
The order activates Utah's emergency operations plan, authorizes the deployment of the Utah National Guard if needed, while also opening up more resource options for local governments impacted by wildfires this summer.
"Heroic efforts are underway as firefighters and emergency personnel work around the clock to save homes and neighborhoods. We are mobilizing every tool at our disposal to support them and keep Utahns safe," the governor said in a statement Thursday.
Cox made the announcement a day before he's scheduled to visit Monroe Canyon Fire operations. The central Utah fire has grown significantly over the past few days, becoming the state's largest wildfire in five years. It has destroyed at least 12 power poles, leading to widespread power outages in south-central Utah.
On Thursday evening, state Route 24 was closed due to the encroaching fire, Sevier County emergency managers said on social media. Drivers are asked to detour at state Route 119 and state Route 62.
"Please only call dispatch for emergency purposes. We do not have a time frame on how long it will be closed. Again, this is all the information we have at this time and will update as soon as possible," Richfield leaders posted on social media.
Firefighting operations have become more complicated because hot temperatures, low relative humidity levels and strong wind gusts have created "critical" fire weather, but the past few months have also been difficult.
This year has already been Utah's busiest fire year since 2020 in terms of acres burned. Nearly 700 different fires have started this year, burning close to 115,000 acres, as of Thursday afternoon. That's more land lost to fire than all of 2023 and 2024 combined. Fire suppression costs have now surpassed $100 million this year, Cox added.
This year's fires have also been destructive. The Forsyth Fire in Washington County and Deer Creek Fire in San Juan County burned dozens of structures combined.
Cox's order will expire in 30 days, unless extended by the Utah Legislature. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said there will be a special session coming up toward the end of summer, when asked about an emergency order during a Monroe Canyon Fire meeting on Wednesday. It's unclear if that would include the order.
Cox made his announcement as drought conditions continue to worsen in Utah. More than 60% of the state is now in severe or extreme drought, while the rest is in moderate drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday. Parts of western central Utah, along with eastern Utah, are now in extreme drought, joining a section of the West Desert.
It's also increased fire risks across the state, which Cox warned about before Pioneer Day.
New fire restrictions are being enacted as a result. Officials with Fishlake National Forest, where the Monroe Canyon Fire is burning, and Dinosaur National Monument each announced they're moving into Stage 2 fire restrictions. The order bans building or using any open fire or campfire within the monument, including charcoal grills or any fire in a fire pan. Smoking is only permitted within enclosed vehicles.
The Bureau of Land Management later Thursday announced all lands under its management will also implement Stage 2 restrictions beginning Friday.
"It's very important that we don't have any additional fires start ... and draw away resources," said Mike Elson, supervisor of Fishlake National Forest.
All areas under Stage 2 fire restrictions:
- All state and private unincorporated lands (including trust lands, state parks and wildlife management areas).
- Color Country District.
- Canyon Country District.
- Green River District.
- Paria River District.
- West Desert District.
- Dixie National Forest.
- Fishlake National Forest.
- Manti-La Sal National Forest.
- All national parks (year-round fire restrictions).
