U.S. Forest Service News Release

Price, UT, March 13, 2026 — The Manti-La Sal National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning late March for the south zone (Moab and Monticello Ranger Districts) of the forest within San Juan County, Utah, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through April as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the south zone of the forest include:

• North Elk Ridge Prescribed Fire on the Monticello Ranger District in San Juan County, Utah. The project area covers approximately 12,750 acres, with 5,600 acres burned this past fall (2025). There are 7,150 acres remaining, mostly due west of South Cottonwood Road (0106). Overall, the treatment area is 17 miles northwest of Blanding, Utah near Forest Service Roads 0095 (Elk Ridge Road) and 0088 (Cause Way Road).
• Shingle Mill Prescribed Fire on the Monticello Ranger District in San Juan County, Utah. The project area is approximately 4,300 acres; crews will concentrate on the South Creek Rd (0087) area. Overall, the treatment area is 2 miles west of Monticello, Utah, near Forest Service Roads 5526 (Harts Draw Loop Road) and 0087 (Shingle Mill Draw Road).
• Mormon Pasture Mountain Prescribed Fire on the Monticello Ranger District in San Juan County, Utah. The entire project area is 2,050 acres; crews estimate 800-1,000 acres to be treated if conditions allow. Overall, the treatment area is located between North Cottonwood Road (0192) and Mormon Pasture Mountain Road (0177-5191).
• Click to view maps of prescribed fire project areas

Area closures are not anticipated, though delays for firefighter and public safety are expected. We will do our best to accommodate travelers. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.