Milrace Fire burns 75-100 acres near I-15 in Utah County, marking early start to wildfire season

A UDOT traffic camera captures the Milrace Fire burning along the I-15 corridor in Utah County on Thursday, with heavy smoke rising above the Wasatch Front as traffic slows on the freeway below. Photo: UDOT

UTAH COUNTY, Utah — A human-caused wildfire ignited Thursday near milepost 261 along southbound Interstate 15 in Utah County, growing to an estimated 75 to 100 acres by evening in what officials say is an unusually early start to wildfire season.

The blaze, dubbed the Milrace Fire, spread rapidly through phragmites in marshy terrain that limited crews’ access to the fire’s edge. Smoke from the fire impacted I-15 traffic, and officials warned of a possible wind shift that could affect operations at Provo Airport.

Winds that initially drove the fire’s spread have since diminished. Cooler temperatures and rising humidity helped slow fire activity Thursday evening, though smoke and occasional flame remained visible. Crews planned to monitor conditions overnight.

The cause is under investigation. No structures or injuries were immediately reported.

Wildfire activity in March is atypical for Utah, where fire season traditionally peaks in summer months. Officials have not yet contained the fire.