Zones Northwest of Monticello moved to SET status, while fire crews top 1,000

The Babylon fire has burned 96,594 acres at remains at zero-percent containment as of the morning of Monday July 6. The acreage burned puts it as the largest active fire in the US.
29 crews made up of 1,142 personnel are fighting the fire with 11 helicopters, 56 engines, four dozers and 15 water tenders all assigned to the fire.
Six areas north and west of Monticello have been placed on "Set" status overnight due to the Babylon Fire. (Of the three phase: "Ready, Set, Go" system for emergency preparedness).
A zoomable map of the area can be found here:

https://sanjuancountyut.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/emergenc...

The set status is roughly for areas west of Highway 191 on the north side of Monticello. They are in areas in the lighter green right hatched portion of this map to the north and west of Monticello.
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.
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.
While no evacuation order is in place for those zones Fire conditions can change rapidly due to weather, terrain, and fire behavior. County officials say that being prepared now allows you to leave quickly and safely should an evacuation become necessary.
Closures exist on public lands in the region including all parts of the Monticello district of the Manti-La Sal Forest, The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and BLM managed lands west of Harts Draw Road and north through the Indian Creek Corridor up to the Indian Creek Falls.
With the increased level of crews night shifts will begin Monday night meaning crews will be battling the blaze 24-hours.
A public meeting will be held tonight, Monday July 6, at 6:00 pm at the Hideout Community Center in Monticello with a satellite broadcast at the USU Blanding Arts and Events Center. The meeting will also be streamed on the Manti La Sal Facebook page and an audio version will be played on 92.7 FM.
Fire crews reported yesterday's activity pushed the fire northeast which was expected. With administration focused on securing the fire within wider indirect containment lines. Official reports state that on the northern flank crews are finishing up clearing work along a primary roadway with firefighters utilizing drones with infrared cameras to locate hidden heat sources to send crews to extinguish hot spots where possible. On the eastern front personnel continue to refine structure protection plans around Monticello. On the western and southern borders, heavy equipment and ground crews are clearing thick brush and establishing a secure southern buffer zone along the road system.
According to a release from the crews extremely hot and dry conditions will continue throughout the area, keeping timber and brush at critical, highly flammable levels. While slight increases in nighttime humidity may briefly slow down smaller fuels like grass, the larger trees will continue to drive intense fire growth. Due to unstable air and rising smoke columns, there is an increased risk of a large pyrocumulus column. These specialized cloud formations can generate their own strong winds, lightning, and sudden, powerful downbursts that push the fire in unpredictable directions. Much of yesterday's heavy smoke drifted from active burning in the Blue Creek area. Looking ahead, winds will steadily increase toward mid-week, which will contribute to intense fire behavior.
Those seeking updates can email 2026.Babylon@FireNet.Gov or call 435-677-1958.