Utah Governor Declares State of Emergency as Wildfires Burn Over 100,000 Acres

With 693 wildfires already scorching nearly 114,000 acres across Utah this year, Gov. Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency and activated the state’s Emergency Operations Plan as fire conditions intensify across the State of Utah.

The executive order, signed Thursday, opens the door for full mobilization of state resources, including the potential deployment of the Utah National Guard. The action comes as firefighters face unrelenting conditions—22 Red Flag Warning days have already occurred in 2025, signaling high winds, dangerously low humidity, and explosive fire behavior.

“Fire crews are working around the clock in heroic efforts to defend communities,” Gov. Cox said in a statement. “We’re doing everything in our power to support them and protect lives, homes, and our critical water supplies.”

The governor’s emergency order, effective immediately, authorizes additional support for local governments and fast-tracks emergency coordination under Utah Code §§ 53-2a-204 and 53-2a-206.

The state’s escalating fire season has already taken a heavy toll. Suppression costs have surged past $103 million, shared among local, state, and federal agencies. The four largest active fires are responsible for more than 100,000 acres burned—nearly the entirety of the season’s destruction to date.

One of the most concerning blazes, the Monroe Canyon Fire, has consumed more than 37,000 acres and destroyed seven homes and cabins. Fire officials say shifting winds and abundant dry fuels are driving fast-moving flames that continue to threaten nearby communities. Gov. Cox is scheduled to visit the area on Friday to meet with firefighters and local leaders and deliver an update to the public.

The fires follow a year marked by historically low snowpack and minimal spring precipitation, which have extended hot, dry conditions well into the summer. Officials warn the threat is far from over.

Adding to the crisis, roughly 72% of this year’s wildfires have been traced to human causes. Cox reiterated the importance of “fire sense,” urging the public to reduce preventable ignitions and allow fire personnel to focus on naturally sparked blazes.

With burn scars and debris flows threatening longer-term consequences even after the flames subside, state officials say the emergency order is an essential step in a fire season that shows no signs of slowing.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature.