Human-caused Tooele County wildfire scorches more than 1,800 acres, 70% contained

STOCKTON, Tooele County — Crews are gaining more containment on a wildfire on South Mountain in Tooele County that investigators believe was human-caused.

It was mapped Tuesday at approximately 1,800 acres. As of Wednesday, the fire is 70% contained, according to the Hill Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services, one of the agencies assisting with firefighting efforts.

The fire is burning in an area south of Stansbury Park and west of Tooele. Fire officials urged people to stay away from the fire and not to fly drones for footage of the blaze, as it prevents the use of air support.

The blaze started Monday evening just before 9 p.m., initially burning an estimated 150 to 200 acres, but quickly grew overnight into Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday afternoon, Utah Fire Info said crews have "worked to actively engage the fire and have been aided by the weather. The winds played a role in helping blowing the fire back onto itself, though it continues to show occasional smoke from a few interior pockets."

Wind gusts up to 55 mph contributed to the fire's overnight activity Tuesday, Utah Fire Info said.

Karl Hunt, spokesperson for the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, told reporters Tuesday afternoon that the fire was started by humans, but officials have yet to determine an exact cause.

"Investigators are still working on what that specific cause was, but do they know it was human-caused," he said.

Alex Cabrero, KSL

There were no immediate threats to the public and no evacuations, but road access was limited in the area. The only structure threatened was an unmanned communication tower that sits atop South Mountain, according to the North Tooele Fire District.

Additional air and ground support arrived to help battle the blaze Tuesday morning.

"A cold front could increase fire activity and create challenging conditions," Utah Fire Info said Tuesday.

#SouthMountainFire Update: Fire remained very active overnight with wind gusts up to 55 mph. Estimated at 1,000–2,000 acres. Additional ground & air resources are arriving today. A cold front could increase fire activity and create challenging conditions. Please avoid the area… pic.twitter.com/waW4wMPztm

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 9, 2026

Photos sent to KSL Monday night show bright orange flames torching parts of the mountainside.

A red flag warning went into effect early on Monday, with critical fire danger for portions of northwestern Utah, including areas south of I-80, according to the National Weather Service.

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