Public Lands

Aerial view of the Babylon fire on July 6. Courtesy US Forest Service

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...

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...

Helicopter landing with supplies to wrap Kirk's Cabin in the Salt Creek area of Canyonlands National Park.

Babylon Fire at 85,000 acres, additional resources arriving

The Babylon Fire is at 85,370 acres as of the last official report on July 3 at 8:00 am. 11 crews made up of 524 personnel are battling the flames including seven helicopters, 17 engines, two dozers and five water tenders. Over 200 members of the public attended meetings held on Thursday July 2 at...

The Babylon Fire has consumed nearly 50,000 acres of Forest Service ground on Elk Ridge since it ignited on June 26. You can see more photos of the fire at the San Juan Record website at www.sjrnews.com or on Facebook. David Kartchner photo

Fires consumes nearly 80,000 acres, close Abajo portion of National Forest

A combination of a record-dry winter, low humidity, high temperatures and howling winds have combined to create one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent memory in San Juan County. The Babylon Fire, which started near the Babylon Pasture on Elk Ridge on Friday, June 26, has exploded. As of...

Prescribed fires in the area

The Manti-La Sal National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning late March within San Juan County, pending all required approvals. They estimate the work to continue through April as weather conditions allow. Prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect...

BLM announces 2026 raptor avoidance areas for Indian Creek

Each spring the BLM urges climbers and outdoor recreationists to avoid certain areas in Indian Creek from March through late summer to protect nesting raptors. Falcons, eagles and hawks return annually to nest on cliffs and rock walls, and human disturbance can jeopardize their success. This annual...

Conference to address sexual violence, suicide

Strengthening Community Through Healing and Hope is a conference on January 31 designed to addressing many of the factors that impact life in San Juan County The conference will focus specifically on how to respond to sexual assault, suicide and substance misuse. It will include a full day of...

Map of the Velvet-Wood and Slick Rock projects. Image from Anfield Energy report

Uranium mine set to re-open in Lisbon Valley

A uranium mine is reopening in Lisbon Valley. Canadian based Anfield Energy received approval to operate the Velvet-Wood mines in Lisbon Valley from the state of Utah. The company announced on October 7 it had received approval from the Utah Department of Oil, Gas and Mining for the Velvet-Wood...

Indian Creek Spire Photo courtesy of BLM

Indian Creek climbing restrictions end

September 1 marks the end of this year’s raptor nesting season and raptor avoidance measures. All climbing areas in Indian Creek will now be available for visitors. BLM biologists identified three raptor nests in the avoidance area that had a successful fledgling! • At the Cliffs of Insanity, a...

Dozer line along the Peaceful Valley Ranch. photo courtesy Great Basin Team 4

Deer Creek Fire at 15,819 acres and 11-percent containment as mild weather aids efforts

The Deer Creek Fire in old La Sal is now at 15,819 acres burned but has seen containment rise to 11-percent. Containment on the west side is aiding in work between fire managers and local officials on their goal of returning residents to their homes as soon as it's safe. Residents in some areas...