Babylon Fire burns over 100,000 acres, largest active fire in the nation

The largest wildfire in the United States continues to burn in San Juan County with zero-percent containment.
The Babylon Fire has burned 100,479 acres as of the San Juan Record print deadline. The fire has brought in resources from across the country with 30 crews made up of 1,204 personnel battling the flames located roughly 25 miles southwest of Monticello.
Resources include 58 fire engines, 21 helicopters, 17 water tenders, and four dozers.
Public meetings have been held in Monticello and Blanding over the past week with presentations from meteorologists, fire behavior analysts, operation chiefs and other administrators providing information to the public on efforts to battle the fire.
Fuels to burn, weather conditions and terrain are all key components of a fire with all three components presenting a challenge in fighting the blaze. Dry fuels after a near non-existent winter, hot and windy conditions and the rugged terrain in the mountains have given firefighters a challenge but efforts are underway to battle the blazes.
Part of those preparations have included setting secure perimeters to protect critical structures and infrastructure, particularly in the Monticello area.
San Juan County Emergency Response and Sheriff’s office are in charge of evacuation orders. The county is following the “Ready”, “Set”, “Go” order.
Up to date orders can be found online at SJRNews.com as well as on official county facebook pages. A map of the evacuation areas can be found online at
SanJuanCountyUt.Gov/Emergency-Management/page/Babylon-Fire-2026
All of San Juan County is in a “Ready” status meaning residents should review emergency plans, gather important documents, medications and essential items. Ensure vehicles are fueled and stay informed.
Six areas Northeast of Monticello have been moved to “Set” status. The map of the areas can be referenced on the county website.
San Juan County officials state that a SET Status means conditions have changed, and residents within these designated zones should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. This is NOT an evacuation order, but it is time to take action to prepare.
Residents in a "SET" status should: gather important documents, medications and essential supplies, prepare your family, pets and livestock for a possible evacuation, ensure your vehicle is fueled and ready to leave, and continue to monitor official sources for updates. A “GO” status means it is time to leave.
The set status at the time of publication is roughly for areas west of Highway 191 on the north side of Monticello. Including SJC1, Energy, Airport 1, Peter’s Hill West, CY1 and CY2.
SJC1 is the roughly 600 acres of private land in the National Forest that is immediately east of the Blue Mountain Ski Area.
Energy is the area near the Latigo Wind Farm.
Airport is from the Monticello Airport heading west toward Spring Creek.
Peter’s Hill West is the area west of Highway 191 along Peters Hill.
CY1 and CY2 is Dry Valley from Church Rock headed west towards Canyonlands and the Marie Ogden / home of truth area.
All areas within or adjacent to the City of Monticello remain in Ready status.
Officials emphasized evacuation orders will come through official communication channels and residents should look for those communications with local law enforcement having tools to contact residents for that possibility.
Additionally the US Forest Service Manti-La Sal Monticello Ranger District and Needles District of Canyonlands have been closed to the public. The Bureau of Land Management has also closed managed lands west of Harts Draw Road, extending north through the Indian Creek Corridor. The public is advised to avoid public lands south of highway 211, west of highway 191 and north of highway 95.
Five structures have been lost over the course of the fire including the Scorup, Poco and King Edwards Mine historic cabins as well as the Nature Conservancy Ranch cabin.
In addition to the Babylon Fire the Ferris Fire is burning in southwest Colorado east of Dove Creek and Cahone. That fire has burned 56,927 acres.
Resources for the Public For daily updates, residents can contact the official fire information line at 435-677-1958 or email 2026.babylonfireinfo@firenet.gov. Additional information is available online via the InciWeb (NCIW) system.