Wildfire sparks overnight near Mount Timpanogos, forces campground evacuation

Smoke swirls around Mount Timpanogos as the Timp Fire burns Friday morning. Photo: Utah Fire Info

UPDATE (7/10/26 @ 5:45 p.m.): The fire acreage estimate has been lowered to two acres after ground crews were able to more accurately measure the burning area. According to an update from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, there has been little growth of the fire perimeter as of 4:00 p.m. “Support from the helicopter bucket drops has been effective in slowing growth and moderating fire behavior,” according to a post from the national forest.

An excess of dead and downed vegetation being consumed by the fire is created visible smoke in the canyon.

The Timpooneke campground, trailhead, and road remain closed, as does Mutual Dell and Tibble Fork Reservoir. There is also a soft forest closure in place for the fire, which means general public access is strongly discouraged.

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — A wildfire that ignited late Thursday near the Timpooneke Campground at the base of Mount Timpanogos has grown to five acres and remains 0% contained as of Friday morning, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Fire crews were first dispatched at 11:47 p.m. Thursday to what was reported as an unknown-sized vegetation fire. By 2:10 a.m. Friday, the fire had reached one acre before expanding to five acres by 8:25 a.m.

“Firefighters are making an aggressive initial attack with multiple helicopters and numerous ground firefighting resources,” Utah Fire Info said in a social media post.

An immediate evacuation order was issued for all camps at Timpooneke Campground and along Timpooneke Road.

The Lone Peak Fire Department has since transferred command of the incident to the U.S. Forest Service. Officials say 11 engines and three helicopters are assigned to the fire.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has also closed public access to Tibble Fork Reservoir so helicopters can use the reservoir as a water source for firefighting operations.

“Firefighters are working to contain the fire as quickly and safely as possible,” Utah Fire Info said. “Please follow all closures and directions from law enforcement and fire personnel.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.