Rain slows Beulah Fire growth, but crews brace for warming trend

Smoke from the Beulah Fire mixes with. cloudy skies in the Uintas Saturday, August 17, 2025. Photo: US Forest Service

SUMMIT COUNTY — Rainfall across the Beulah Fire perimeter has temporarily slowed the blaze, but officials warn that hot and dry weather returning this week could reignite fire activity.

As of Sunday morning, the fire had burned 4,580 acres and was 28% contained, according to fire officials. Nearly 600 personnel remain assigned to the incident, supported by six helicopters, 22 engines, 11 crews, and two bulldozers.

The east side of the fire received the most rain — between 0.3 and 0.6 inches — offering short-term relief. Fire managers cautioned, however, that the region’s critically dry vegetation means the benefits will be brief. A warming and drying trend is forecast to begin Friday and continue through midweek.

“While recent rainfall has decreased fire behavior, fuels remain extremely dry,” officials said in a Sunday update. “The potential for increased fire activity rises as temperatures climb.”

Crews on the ground and heavy equipment remain central to the firefighting effort. Firefighters secured line along Mill Creek Road on Wednesday and continue to assess neighborhoods including Manorlands, Uintalands, and Monviso. Work is also underway preparing containment line in Christmas Meadows Valley.

Aerial resources remain available to support crews, though flights were limited Saturday due to weather. An infrared mapping flight confirmed only modest fire growth of 231 acres in recent days. The most significant activity occurred on a spot fire east of the main perimeter.

Summit County officials have established notification zones in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office to provide Ready, Set, or Go evacuation alerts if needed. Any official evacuation orders or status changes will come directly from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for the county’s emergency alerts at everbridge.net.

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest has enacted an area closure around the fire to protect both the public and firefighting personnel. Closure details, including roads, trails, and trailheads, are available at the Forest Service’s website.

The cause of the Beulah Fire remains under investigation.