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Last updated: 2026-06-30 --- The type of incident is Wildfire and involves the following unit(s) Manti-Lasal National Forest. --- State: Utah --- Coordinates: Latitude: 37° 44 4 Longitude: 109° 48 31 --- NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations. --- Incident Overview: Fanned by strong afternoon winds and low humidity, the Babylon Fire experienced wind-driven growth to the northwest on Monday. The fire continues to burn actively through dry, receptive vegetation. Today, fire crews are focusing on indirect confinement strategies. This approach utilizes natural geographic barriers to safely secure portions of the fire perimeter. By leveraging these natural firebreaks, crews can effectively work toward containment while minimizing the risk to firefighter safety in challenging terrain. So far, four structures have been destroyed by the Babylon Fire including one structure owned by The Nature Conservancy and three Forest Service structures including the Scorup Cabin, Poso Cabin, and King Edward’s Mine Cabin. Due to the complexity of the terrain and the potential for a long-term suppression effort, a complex incident management team has been requested. Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #2 (led by Incident Commander DeMasters) has been ordered and is scheduled to officially assume command of all firefighting operations on Wednesday, July 1, at 6:00 a.m.Safety:Public safety and the protection of property remain our highest priorities. Residents are urged to stay informed on local evacuation notices and avoid the fire area to allow emergency vehicles and crews clear access.  Weather and Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the fire area from noon to 9:00 pm on Tuesday for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.Several closures are currently in place: A new closure order (#04-10-26-05-02) closing all Forest Service lands, roads, and trails within the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest (San Juan County, Utah) is in effect as of June 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM. This closure is necessary to protect public health and safety during active wildfire operations.Effective June 28, 2026, Canyonlands National Park has temporarily closed The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. The Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park.  San Juan County has closed the following roads until further notice: North Cottonwood Road The junction of Kigalia and North Elk Ridge toward Big Notch Causeway Road Bridger Jack Road off Highway 211