Deer Springs Fire Expands Rapidly, Becomes Utah’s Largest Wildfire of 2024

On Monday, July 8th, the Deer Springs Fire erupted south of Bryce Canyon in Kane County, Utah, and has since grown at an alarming rate. Initially reported at 1,200 acres on Sunday evening, the fire quickly expanded to over 12,000 acres by Friday night, making it the largest wildfire in Utah this year. The fire is currently at 30% containment at the time of reporting, posing a significant threat to nearby communities and structures.

The fire was first discovered on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Skutumpah and Timber Creek roads in the Deer Springs area. Officials suspect that the blaze was caused by humans, though specific details have not been disclosed. Efforts are currently focused on securing the northern flank of the fire to protect the Deer Springs community and various structures as prevailing winds shift.

A significant challenge in combating the fire has been the sheer speed at which it has spread. GPS mapping showed a dramatic increase from 1,200 acres to over 9,100 acres within hours. By Monday evening, the fire had further expanded to 11,000 acres. Firefighters have utilized 66,500 gallons of fire retardant in an attempt to control the flames.

Despite the severity of the situation, no evacuations have been ordered yet. However, officials have warned that this could change, and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to notify residents through the community emergency notification system on Everbridge. The fire has produced a massive plume of smoke visible from miles away, including from Bryce Canyon and as far as the Grand Canyon.

The rapid growth of the Deer Springs Fire highlights the challenges of wildfire management in Utah, especially as the state faces increasingly dry and hot conditions. The Deer Springs Ranch website has identified the area as a “community at risk” of wildfires, underlining the urgent need for effective fire prevention and response strategies.

As the fire continues to burn, the priority remains protecting lives and property. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction. The community is urged to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuation orders.