Utah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuated

A rapidly growing wildfire in central Utah has forced the evacuation of an entire town after expanding to more than 13,000 acres within less than 24 hours. The Iron Fire, burning in the East Tintic Mountains in Juab County, was first reported at approximately 10:45 p.m. Friday, June 19 south of Boulter Peak near Eureka. According to Utah Fire Info, the blaze was human-caused, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

As fire activity intensified Saturday, officials ordered all residents of Eureka to leave the area. Utah Forestry, Fire & State Lands announced shortly after 8 p.m. that the town's estimated 1,000 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders.

In an update posted Saturday evening, Utah Fire Info said: "The fire has been mapped at 13,323 acres. Trigger points have been reached, and Eureka has been moved to GO status with evacuations currently underway. More information as it becomes available."


Officials also implemented traffic restrictions as the wildfire expanded, closing Highway 6 near Elberta to facilitate evacuation efforts and provide emergency crews with access to the area.

An evacuation center has been established at the LDS Church in Elberta for residents displaced by the fire, while authorities are coordinating a second reception site as evacuations continue in Eureka.


The Iron Fire was one of multiple wildfires challenging firefighters across Utah on Saturday. Elsewhere, the Hastings Fire grew rapidly after strong winds accelerated fire behavior, expanding to an estimated 1,800 acres.

Fire officials said recreational activities near Hastings Pass Trail have been suspended because of erratic fire conditions. At this time, no structures are believed to be under immediate threat from the blaze.