Widemouth 2 Fire prompts evacuations near Kanosh, Fillmore

FILLMORE — A wildfire, known as the Wildmouth 2 Fire, burning in Millard County prompted evacuation warnings and a state of emergency Sunday morning as strong winds pushed the fire north. Officials focused efforts on protecting lives and nearby communities.

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah declared a state of emergency for the Kanosh Band Reservation at 4:20 a.m. Sunday. Tribal members were instructed to seek shelter in Fillmore.

The Millard County Sheriff's Office issued a "SET" evacuation status for residents in Fillmore from 500 South to Reservation Road, urging people in the area to prepare to leave due to the nearby threat.

The weekend marked a major advancement for the blaze after it initially began on Thursday. According to Utah Fire Info, southern winds pushed the fire north along the forest boundary, creating what officials described as "catastrophic" fire behavior. Officials said rapid fire growth made it too dangerous for firefighters to directly engage the fire's forward progression.

A multi-agency incident management team for northern Utah said crews are prioritizing life safety and evacuations while working with local agencies to protect structures and infrastructure.

Officials urged residents east of I-15 between Fillmore and Kanosh to stay alert for evacuation notifications sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. Residents who may need additional time to evacuate or feel unsafe were encouraged to leave before receiving an official notification.

Officials also asked people to avoid the area east of I-15 from Fillmore to Kanosh and avoid driving on I-15 in the area unless necessary.

No structures had been lost as of Sunday morning, and firefighters were able to keep the fire away from structures overnight, according to Utah Fire Info. Officials warned residents they may see a large smoke plume and dark skies as the fire continues.

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and the U.S. Forest Service's Fishlake National Forest are providing updates as conditions change.

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