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The emergency declaration
Utah headed into August with an alarm bell ringing across the state to activate an emergency operations plan and put the Utah National Guard at the ready if needed.
This comes after intense wildfires this summer have been responsible for destroying at least 20 homes and cabins, threatening entire communities, and burning through more than 110,000 acres.
Governor Spencer Cox declared a 30-day state of emergency, which, according to a press release, “unlocks all available state resources to protect lives, homes, livestock and drinking-water supplies threatened by this year’s severe fire season.”
According to the Office of the Governor, 693 fires have burned nearly 114,000 acres in Utah in 2025—the four largest making up more than 100,000 of that.
Fighting the flames has cost more than $103 million, spread across local, state and federal agencies.
“Heroic efforts are underway as firefighters and emergency personnel work around the clock to save homes and neighborhoods,” Gov. Cox stated, in the release. “We are mobilizing every tool at our disposal to support them and keep Utahns safe.”
Resources to stay safe and informed
Weeks before signing the emergency declaration, at the Governor’s Monthly News Conference produced and hosted by PBS Utah, Governor Cox urged Utahns to stay vigilant and use “fire sense” as he explained how most of these wildfires—72%—have been human caused.
“Two consecutive years of healthy snowpack have triggered the growth of grasses and brush that have now dried out and are fueling these wildfires,” he said, at the July 17 news conference. “The tinder-dry landscape means every spark has a greater chance of becoming a large and fast-moving wildfire.”
Here are resources to help with education and safety:
Current and active wildfires
Utah Fire Info shows where fires are burning across the state, with updated information and an interactive map. The site also lists current fire danger, and includes other resources on how to prevent wildfires.
Fire Sense
Utah Fire Sense provides critical tips on how to prevent wildfires while recreating or during everyday activities. From a camping trip to vehicle maintenance, the site explains what kinds of steps Utahns can take to stay safe.
Wildfire risk
Not sure if your home or community is at risk if a wildfire were to break out? The Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (UWRAP) can help. The website features a Risk Explorer map, Fire History Tracker, FireMAP, and more with a goal of empowering homeowners, communities, fire departments, and municipalities.
Community preparedness
The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands has set up a webpage for those living in a WUI (wildland urban interface) zone, with additional links on how you can help your community stay prepared.
