A fast-moving wildfire erupted near the southern boundary of Zion National Park over the weekend, prompting the full closure of the park and the emergency evacuation of over 5,000 visitors during what officials say is one of the busiest weeks of the year.
The blaze, now dubbed the “Kolob Ridge Fire,” began Saturday afternoon and quickly spread through dry brush and pinyon-juniper woodland, fueled by scorching temperatures, high winds, and low humidity. Within hours, flames encroached on popular trails and campgrounds, forcing park rangers and local law enforcement to initiate an urgent evacuation of all visitors, including those deep inside the park’s famous slot canyons.
“Our priority was immediate life safety,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh in a press briefing Sunday morning. “Conditions changed rapidly. We had to move fast to ensure no one was trapped inside the canyons or caught on narrow trails as the fire advanced.”
The fire, which started just outside the park boundary, is suspected to be human-caused, although the exact source is still under investigation. Park officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been reported, but several structures, including ranger outposts and maintenance buildings near the visitor center, were damaged.
Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has deployed over 200 firefighters to battle the blaze, supported by aerial tankers and helicopters dropping fire retardant along the park’s ridgelines. Smoke plumes were visible for miles, and air quality alerts have been issued for nearby communities including Springdale and Hurricane.
The timing of the fire is especially disruptive. July marks one of the busiest months for Zion, with long lines of vehicles typically stretching toward the park’s gates and campgrounds often booked months in advance. Local businesses, dependent on tourism revenue, expressed concern over the indefinite closure.
“July is make-or-break for us,” said Lindsay Harper, owner of a Springdale outfitter shop. “We’re grateful everyone is safe, but this will hit our small town hard if the park remains closed long.”
As of Monday morning, the Kolob Ridge Fire has scorched more than 3,200 acres and remains only 15% contained. Fire officials have not given a timeline for reopening, citing unpredictable winds and the rugged terrain as ongoing challenges.
Park officials are urging travelers to cancel or postpone their plans and follow updates via Zion’s official website and social media channels.
“This is sacred land,” said Bradybaugh. “We’re doing everything we can to protect it and the people who come to experience it.”
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