Wildfire update for July 4, 2026

It’s the time of year when wildfires start playing an important role in where we travel. It’s not just the fires themselves, but the smoke that can often spread for hundreds of miles: when it’s thick, a camping trip is more like a visit to Los Angeles during a smog alert.

Here is a quick rundown of the major fires and fire conditions affecting the popular areas in the United States where RVers travel.

The report was updated Friday, July 3rd. Conditions may have changed at some of the areas, so be sure to check for the latest news before you head off.

Utah: Fishlake National Forest
The Cottonwood Fire remains the nation’s largest active wildfire at nearly 94,000 acres with only 23 percent containment. It has forced closures, evacuations and heavy smoke in parts of Fishlake National Forest, a favorite destination for campers, ATV riders and anglers. Several roads and recreation areas remain closed. Travelers should check conditions before heading to Central Utah.

Southern Utah: Near Monticello
The Babylon Fire has grown to more than 85,000 acres in Southeastern Utah, threatening recreation areas near the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Many road and trail closures remain in effect, and firefighters continue battling active fire behavior fueled by hot, dry weather. On Friday morning, the fire was only 25 percent contained.

Sedona, Arizona
The 23,000-acre Pocket Fire burning north of Sedona has prompted closures of roads and trails in the Coconino National Forest. Firefighters report moderate fire activity, and visitors planning hikes or camping in the area should expect restrictions and possible delays.

Western Colorado
Several large fires continue burning near popular mountain recreation areas around Ouray, Leadville and Grand Junction. Multiple roads, trails and campgrounds remain closed, and some nearby communities are under evacuation orders as firefighters protect homes and infrastructure. The Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border has burned more than 30,000 acres and is 65 percent contained. Firefighters report they are gaining ground.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions because of extreme wildfire danger. Campfires and other ignition sources are heavily restricted as surrounding Colorado fires continue burning under hot, dry conditions.

Yellowstone region
Fire danger has climbed to High in Yellowstone National Park, although there are currently no active wildfires inside the park. Visitors should expect increased fire restrictions and should closely monitor conditions as the summer fire season intensifies.

Southwest outlook
An extended heat wave across much of the West is expected to elevate wildfire danger through the July 4 weekend. Popular RV destinations in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nevada face increased risks of new fire starts, smoky conditions and temporary recreation closures.

SAD NOTE: Three firefighters died while responding to the Knowles Fire last weekend along the Utah-Colorado border. They have been identified as Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson. Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle (Colo.) Helitack; Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest; Watson, 26, of Warrior, Alabama, was assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.

Before leaving for a trip in the USA, be sure to check InciWeb for a quick but comprehensive look at fire locations. Conditions in Canada are available at the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.

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