Tuesday morning update: Rehabilitation work begins as favorable weather continues
Firefighters battling the Deer Creek Fire southeast of Moab made strong progress Monday, with containment reaching 54% on the 17,184-acre blaze. The fire started near La Sal and showed clear signs of being brought under control after nearly two weeks of intense firefighting efforts.
Favorable weather conditions Tuesday are expected to allow crews to continue building containment lines while beginning fireline rehabilitation work along secured portions of the fire perimeter.
Currently, crews are transforming existing vegetation breaks into natural areas by filling them with soil and overlaying with brush and forest debris.
San Juan County Sheriff Lehi Lacy announced Monday that a suspect has been identified in connection with the human-caused start of the fire, following a investigation by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Fire Authority. No names or additional information are being released at this time.
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Highway 46/90 reopens with cautions
Highway 46 in Utah, which transitions into Highway 90 in Colorado, is now open for travel. However, firefighting resources continue to utilize these highways, particularly during morning and evening hours when crews move equipment and personnel.
All motorists are asked to turn on their headlights and exercise caution when traveling through the area. The highway reopening represents another positive development for regional transportation and commerce.
Forest closure reduced as fire control improves
In response to improved control of the fire perimeter, the Manti-La Sal National Forest reduced the Closure Order, expanding public access on the west side and in the lower Two-Mile area. The amended closure order took effect at midnight Monday and represents the first significant relaxation of restrictions since the fire began.
The updated closure information is available online with maps at the Forest Service website. This development signals growing confidence among fire officials that the blaze is being successfully contained.
Evacuation status improving
While evacuation orders remain in place for some San Juan County residents north of Highway 46, the improved containment and forest closure reduction suggest conditions are steadily improving. San Juan County’s nine-zone evacuation system continues to enable targeted reentry for property owners where conditions allow – updates are being posted on the San Juan County Facebook page.
Montrose County residents near the fire area should continue monitoring emergency alerts through the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office alert system.
Grand County impacts
The Old Spanish Trail Arena remains closed to public access as it serves as the incident command post, though outdoor arenas stay available for reserved activities and livestock evacuation support.
How residents can stay informed and help
Residents can continue supporting firefighting efforts and displaced families through donations at Desert Rivers Credit Union under “Moab Valley Fire Donation Account” or at Station 1 (45 South 100 East).
Non-perishable donations including electrolyte drinks and hygiene items are also accepted at Station 1.
Evacuees from the La Sal area can find emergency shelter and information at the La Sal Community Center on Highway 46 in La Sal.
For current fire information, contact the Deer Creek Fire Information line at 385-393-0516 or email 2025.DeerCreek@firenet.gov.Updated information is available at inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utmlf-deer-creek and facebook.com/UtahWildfire.
This article was updated Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025, with information from the latest official fire update.
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