Babylon Fire containment reaches halfway with monsoon season on the horizon
Containment reaches half-way on Babylon Fire as signs of monsoonal season arrival on the horizon.
As of July 13, the Babylon Fire has reached 50-percent containment with the amount of acres up to 106,610 acres burned. That increase from Sunday to Monday was around just 300 acres, a relatively small increase.
The containment surge follows a productive weekend where crews utilized a "two-prong strategy" of established outer safety boundaries and direct attacks on the fire's edge. Currently, 1,372 personnel are managing over 100 miles of contained line, primarily boxing in the north and south perimeters. Operations are now heavily prioritized on the eastern front near Jackson Ridge and Indian Creek, where hotshot crews are conducting tactical firing operations to consume fuels ahead of the main fire.
In a release officials state crews have been working day and night shifts with substantial targeted support from aircraft during the day. As of Sunday firefighting aircraft has dropped about 1 million gallons of water and 500,000 gallons of retardant to slow fire spread.
Officials add that efforts are underway to continue to secure the perimeter along North Cottonwood Creek to the north, along Mule Canyon and Deep Canyon to the south, and along Dark Canyon to the west. This will continue as fire behavior, weather conditions, and terrain allow.
While growth has slowed, officials remain "cautiously optimistic" as they face a "critical pattern shift" with the arrival of monsoon moisture. While humidity is trending upward, there is a continued threat of dry thunderstorms. These storms carry a high potential for lightning and erratic outflow winds, which could impact fire behavior or cause new starts.
The incident is currently undergoing a leadership transition as Great Basin Team 2 finishes its 14-day assignment. Great Basin Team 6 is shadowing current leadership today and will officially assume command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Officials emphasized that this "overhead swap" is standard practice and will be a seamless handoff.
Residents are urged to maintain their readiness and "go bags" as the fire is not yet fully out. A public meeting will be held tonight, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hideout Golf Course to introduce the incoming management team and provide the latest operational updates
Public safety measures remain in effect, with 23 evacuation zones west of Highway 191—stretching from Church Rock in the north to the Dude Ranch in the south—remaining in "Set" status since Thursday afternoon.
Areas to the west of Monticello known as SJC1, SJC 2, SJC4, SJC Dude Ranch, Energy, Airport 1, Peter’s Hill West, CY1 and CY2 remain in the "Set" status.
Monticello areas in “Set” status include MC 1 MC3, MC4, MC7, MC8, MC10, MC11, MC12, MC17, MC18, M19, M20, and MC 22.
Residents in those areas should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen but there is not an evacuation order as of yet.
You can check the map at this link.
https://sanjuancountyut.gov/emergency-management/page/babylon-fire-2026
“Ready” status meaning residents should review emergency plans, gather important documents, medications and essential items. Ensure vehicles are fueled and stay informed.
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.