Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for the town of Eureka as the human-caused Iron Fire expanded to more than 24,000 acres and remained 0 percent contained as of Monday. Firefighters worked to prevent the loss of structures through backburn operations, but officials said residents are required to remain out of the town while containment efforts continue.
Authorities first ordered residents to evacuate on June 20 as the fire advanced toward the community, and warned that conditions were "life-threatening and changing rapidly." Residents were instructed to leave immediately using designated evacuation routes.
The Iron Fire is one of several wildfires burning across Utah amid persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions that have increased fire danger across the region. State officials have warned that the combination of weather and dry vegetation is creating conditions for fast-moving fires.
"Utah is facing multiple wildfires across the state today, and we are using every available resource to support response efforts," Cox said in a social media post Saturday evening.
"I’m grateful for the firefighters, first responders, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and volunteers working around the clock to protect lives, homes, and communities," Cox added.
The governor urged residents to follow evacuation orders and take precautions to prevent additional fires.
"Conditions remain dry and dangerous. Please use extreme caution, follow evacuation notices, and do your part to prevent new fires. We are monitoring the situation closely," he said.
According to Utah Fire Info, five of the six fires listed were human-caused.
On Monday, Cox said that more than 75 percent of Utah wildfires are human-caused, adding that "means prevention starts with all of us."
"As hot, dry, and windy conditions continue across our state, please use extra caution outdoors and help reduce the risk of new fires."
The Hastings Fire in Tooele County was estimated at 6,000 acres Sunday and had no structures threatened, while the Bonneville Fire east of Salt Lake City was mapped at 495 acres and was 5 percent contained.
Officials said Arlington Hills remained under a "READY" evacuation status as crews worked to keep the Bonneville Fire away from nearby communities.