VIDEO/PHOTOS: Gov. Spencer Cox declared a 30-day state of emergency as wildfires intensify across Utah. The order, effective immediately, “unlocks all available state resources to protect lives, homes, livestock, and drinking-water supplies threatened by this yearโs severe fire season,” a press release states. Utah has experienced 693 fires in 2025 alone, burning nearly 114,000 acres. The four largest fires reportedly account for more than 100,000 acres of burned land. Suppression costs have surpassed $103 million across local, state, and federal agencies, the press release states.
“Heroic efforts are underway as firefighters and emergency personnel work around the clock to save homes and neighborhoods,” Gov. Cox said. “We are mobilizing every tool at our disposal to support them and keep Utahns safe.” The executive order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan, authorizes the deployment of the Utah National Guard if needed, and streamlines assistance for local governments, the press release states. So far this year, 72% of Utahโs wildfires have been human-caused. Gov. Cox reminded the public that “fire sense” saves lives and property by reducing sparks from everyday activities and helping firefighters focus on blazes ignited by lightning.
