BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — An official investigation has confirmed that lightning caused the Rocky Pass Fire, which remains mapped at 81 acres and is 15% contained, authorities announced Monday.
As of 11:30 a.m. MDT on Monday, July 20, 2026, local, state, and federal agencies continued their suppression efforts on Bureau of Land Management land. Firefighting operations resumed at 7 a.m. in the low mountains of the Northern Basin and Range in western Box Elder County. Officials reported that no structures are currently threatened and no road closures are in place.
A coordinated group of resources is working to limit the fire’s spread and protect lives, property, and natural resources. Assigned units include Box Elder County Fire, BECF Brush Truck 208, Park Valley Fire, Grouse Creek Fire, and Snowville Fire. They are working with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands and the BLM, alongside aviation resources like helicopters and airtankers conducting retardant drops. Fire officials thanked the firefighters, aviation crews, dispatchers, and partner agencies for their ongoing protection efforts.
Box Elder County Fire Warden Bradley Johnson issued a critical safety directive asking the public and media to completely avoid the incident area, including Emigrant Trail, Devil’s Playground, Rocky Pass Road, and the surrounding fire area. Officials warned that civilian traffic creates safety hazards and may delay emergency operations, instructing people not to enter the area to watch or photograph the incident.
Furthermore, private drones are strictly prohibited near active wildfire operations. If a drone is detected, firefighting aircraft may be grounded immediately, halting air support and creating additional risks for firefighters. Officials also requested a hold on donations, stating that food, water, and other supplies are not currently needed at the fire line.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across all unincorporated areas of Box Elder County and BLM-managed public lands. These restrictions prohibit all open fires, campfires, charcoal grills, fireworks, and outdoor smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.