BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — The Johnson Canyon Fire expanded to an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 acres Sunday morning after burning actively through the night northwest of Tremonton, officials said.
Utah Fire Info reported firefighters worked overnight to establish dozer lines around the fire, but high winds pushed the flames, preventing crews from successfully surrounding the blaze. Approximately 75 local, state, and federal personnel remain assigned to the wildfire. Crews will continue efforts to construct containment lines throughout the day as weather conditions allow.
Lynnette Crockett, Box Elder County Public Information Officer, said the nearby town of Portage remains under a Level One “Ready” evacuation notice, though a mandatory evacuation order has not been issued. Box Elder County emergency officials urged residents to remain alert, monitor official updates, and be prepared to act if conditions change.
Johnson Canyon Road and Broadmouth Canyon Road remain closed to the public. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Officials are asking the public and the media to avoid the area to allow emergency equipment to operate safely. Additionally, authorities emphasized that the fire area is a designated “No Drone Zone,” warning that unauthorized drone activity interferes with firefighting aircraft and can force the immediate suspension of all aerial operations.