The forest is on fire

“Effective today, June 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM, all Forest Service lands, roads, and trails within the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest (San Juan County, Utah) are temporarily closed due to the Babylon Fire. “ Update July 2nd, 2026 – The Babylon Fire grew to 79,795 acres Thursday morning with no containment as firefighters expanded indirect containment operations and prepared for a forecasted wind shift expected to increase fire activity toward Monticello and nearby infrastructure. Both nearby BLM land and the Needles District of Canyonlands are also now closed and evacuated. A place that means so much to Joan and me. The beauty, history, and uniqueness of this corner of the Colorado Plateau have deepened our love for it over the past decade. Continue reading The forest is on fire at PMags.com.