BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — A rapidly spreading wildfire in Box Elder County has swelled to an estimated 1,600 acres, threatening structures and putting a nearby town on evacuation alert Saturday.
The Johnson Canyon Fire ignited in the canyon, actively burning on both sides of the terrain and pushing north. According to Utah Fire Info, the blaze grew aggressively, more than doubling in size from 350 acres to 700 acres within a few hours before surging to its current acreage.
The fire is burning approximately 3 miles from Portage. Authorities have placed the town in a “Ready” status under the “Ready, Set, Go!” evacuation framework. Residents in the area are urged to remain alert, monitor official updates and prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen.
Multiple local, county and interagency resources are on the scene combating the flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.