"The fire’s rapid growth to 400 acres within hours and the swift deployment of 93 personnel highlight the urgency of early detection and response. Its full containment within a month demonstrates effective resource allocation and fire suppression tactics."
The Big Mountain wildfire, located 5 miles southwest of Elberta, Utah, was discovered on August 23, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under the jurisdiction of the BLM. The fire rapidly expanded from 30 acres at 23:00 on the discovery day to 400 acres by early August 24, with 56 personnel deployed and an active, wind‑driven behavior. Over the next week the fire size stabilized at 166 acres, while containment increased from 0% to 100% by August 30, with personnel numbers dropping from 93 to 4 as the fire became minimal, torching, and eventually smoldering. The incident remains active but fully contained as of September 11, 2026, with a final acreage of 165.92 and no further growth reported.
Official source description: 5 Miles SW from Elberta, UT
Minimal; Torching; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Provo. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently minimal, torching, and smoldering with 100% containment. General wildfire safety guidance applies, but no immediate evacuation or fire danger warnings are necessary.
IRWIN ID: {E3068D39-8514-4D2A-9EC5-E2161CB7D74B}
Discovered: Aug 23, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BLM
Est. Cost to Date: $150,000
Coordinates: 39.9132, -112.0363
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in UT.
The Big Mountain Fire has burned 166 acres as of September 11, 2026.
Yes, the Big Mountain Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Big Mountain Fire is burning in Utah, UT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Big Mountain Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →