Sunday brush fire at mouth of Parley’s Canyon briefly prompts evacuations, ramp closures

A Sunday brush fire broke out near the mouth of Parley's Canyon off I-80. Photo: Utah Highway Patrol

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Firefighters quickly gained control of a brush fire that broke out Sunday afternoon near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon, briefly forcing evacuations and traffic impacts in one of the Wasatch Front’s busiest corridors.

The fire started in the Parleys Historic Nature Park area near the Interstate 80 and Interstate 215 interchange. Unified Fire Authority crews responded as the blaze spread uphill through dry grass and brush.

A handful of nearby homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, but residents were later allowed to return after firefighters slowed the fire’s advance. According to Unified Fire Authority Assistant Chief Dustin Dern, the steep terrain contributed to the fire’s rapid uphill spread.

The fire also affected traffic, with authorities temporarily closing the ramp from eastbound I-80 to I-215 while crews worked in the area.

As of Monday, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The incident comes as much of Utah continues to experience elevated wildfire danger due to hot, dry conditions, with fire officials urging residents to use caution and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.