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The Widemouth 2 Fire burning near Kanosh in Millard County is so dangerous that firefighters are focused on protecting people and property, and not battling its progress.
As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had ballooned to 36,000 acres, with 370 personnel fighting it. More firefighters are expected to join the effort.
An evacuation order was issued Sunday afternoon for some homes in Fillmore, according to Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson. Residents are urged to stay close to their phones for evacuation updates.
The U.S. Forest Service said the fire’s behavior was “catastrophic” after southern winds pushed it along the Fishlake National Forest boundary.
Conditions were expected worsen as the day progressed, with temperatures hovering just over 100 degrees and as the fire moved north toward Meadow and Fillmore.
“Our moisture is so low in the fuels,” said Millard County Sheriff Steve O’Camb on Sunday afternoon. “You could get more moisture out of a two-by-four you buy at Home Depot than out of the trees here. That’s why the fire activity is so dangerous. It’s something the fireman will tell you they have not seen before.”
O’Camb said his team has gone door to door, ensuring folks know of the danger and preparing them for evacuations if necessary.
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah declared a state of emergency for the Kanosh Band Reservation and Tribal Members were directed to the Fillmore Stake Center for immediate shelter. Late Sunday, officials indicated the threat had moved north.
FEMA has approved a request from Utah for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant, which means the Federal Emergency Management Agency will make funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs.
The grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. On Sunday afternoon, FEMA reported 1,000 homes were threatened by the Widemouth 2 fire, but there are no reports of damaged structures.
The Millard sheriff’s department has reported cattle losses.
The Widemouth 2 fire has been burning since July 26 but at much smaller acreage. Fire officials previously indicated it was started by a lightning strike.
“No amount of resources will stop this forward progression given the current conditions and predicted weather,” the Forest Service said Sunday.
Smoke from the Widemouth 2 Fire. The fire had grown to 36,000 acres as of Sunday afternoon, but no homes have been lost.
According to the agency, crews have made protecting life and safety the primary goal, as well as placing resources around structures to save infrastructure.
Wind is expected to increase on Sunday evening.
Officials asked people to stay out of the area east of I-15 from Fillmore to Kanosh. However, the highway is not closed.
The below video shared on social media by Utah Fire Info shows the fire burning on July 28:
There are 10 large wildfires currently burning in Utah, according to Utah Fire Info.
This story includes reporting from Fox 13 News. The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox 13 are content-sharing partners.