Babylon Fire crews hold their ground at northeast corner

As of July 10, the Babylon Fire has reached 103,633 acres with containment rising to 25%. While crews held the fire to just a 700-acre increase over the previous 24 hours it was not without a lot of effort. Fire officials reported that while the fire was active overnight, crews "held their ground" during several intense "dog fights" on the fire line.
Current operations are focused on "the spear," a section of the fire jutting toward Twin Peaks on the northeast corner of the Blaze. To protect Monticello’s watershed, communication towers, the windmill farm and eventually the town of Monticello, specialized crews built a containment line from Aspen Flat to Indian Creek. Today, firefighters are conducting planned burn operations on West Mountain to prevent the fire from entering Cooley Pass and the Johnson Creek corridor. This is part of a broader "halo" or "catcher's mitt" strategy designed to encircle and trap the fire before it reaches community assets.
At the community meeting held in Monticello the evening of July 9 Incident Commander Tony DeMasters noted that the scale of the response—1,526 personnel—was unprecedented in his 38-year career showcasing efforts to protect community assets.
At that same meeting Mayor Kevin Dunn praised firefighters for their efforts and was discouraged by some outlying negative comments directed at fire crews.
Dunn encouraged both newcomers and long-time residents to adopt the “Pioneer Spirit” of early european settlers of the region who survived by staying together and supporting each other with Dunn added that the current community would emerge from teh fire “better and stronger than we’ve ever been.”
The response has included 40 crews and an aviation fleet including 14 helicopters.
Teams are using advanced technology, including drones to identify hotspots and four new remote automated weather stations to improve forecasting.
Fire behavior remains fuels-driven, fueled by critically dry timber and high-elevation mixed conifer. While large smoke columns have been visible, experts explain these often indicate heavy fuel consumption in concentrated areas rather than rapid expansion. However, a looming excessive heat watch from Saturday through Sunday brings the threat of triple-digit temperatures and extreme behavior, such as "crowning" in the forest canopy.
Large areas west of Highway 191 remain in "Set" status, and residents are urged to stay vigilant as the heat wave approaches. No changes to evacuation status have been given since Thursday July 9.
Speaking at the community meeting Sheriff Lehi Lacy emphasized the goal of a “Set” status is not to cause panic but to allow residents to be prepared and have a plan. Lacy also emphasize the changes are not “snap” decisions but are made with dialogue from the Sheriff, San Juan County Emergency Manager Tammy Gallegos, and the Incident Command team regarding fire behavior, weather, and suppression risks.
Sheriff Lacy added that He assured residents that they are "not alone" and that deputies will be available to help if statuses change further.
Gallegos further clarified that if a “Go” order is given residents are encouraged to stay with friend sor family where they’ll be “safe and happy” but that official shelters will be available for those who prefer it or have no where else to go.
Most areas West of Highway 191 from the Dude Ranch road up to Church Rock are in the "Set" zone.
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.
Gallegos also added that while many resources are on the Babylon fire, local responders are standing by throughout the county to respond to any new fires or emergencies as Babylon Fire PIO Chip Favor noted that additional fires in the area caused by recreation or whatever would divert resources and provide additional challenges and dangers for crews.