How did the Bonneville Fire affect campus?
From the University of Utah campus, the charred hillside to the east is a visual reminder of the 566-acre Bonneville Fire that began on Saturday, June 20. The fire immediately threatened University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute and forced the evacuation of events at Red Butte Garden and the Natural History Museum of Utah.
Throughout the past week, the fire has quickly progressed toward full containment thanks to the coordinated services of wildland firefighters, state and federal agencies and U incident management. The Bonneville Fire was 100% contained as of July 1.
As campus returns to normal, the U has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from the community, and will continue to be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Campus operations, including U of U Health, classes and special events, continue as normal and no university facilities are threatened. Fire management activities continue to have minimal impact on campus operations, but the public is asked to stay clear of emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel so they can safely perform their work.
No. The U follows Salt Lake City fireworks restrictions, and the city has issued a ban on fireworks through July 5. All personal fireworks are banned on campus.
Professional fireworks with proper permitting, such as those that will be displayed at Monster Jam July 2-4, are allowed.
A fire prevention permit has been authorizing for a professionally managed fireworks display at Rice-Eccles Stadium during Monster Jam. The permit was issued following review by the appropriate fire prevention authorities and includes comprehensive safety requirements, licensed operators and on-site fire protection measures. All entities associated with Monster Jam have worked closely with public safety officials to ensure that the displays can be conducted safely and responsibly while meeting all applicable regulatory requirements.
Safety Measures
- The Monster Jam fireworks display is being conducted under a specific permit process designed to ensure public safety during periods of elevated fire danger.
- The display will be conducted by licensed and experienced pyrotechnic professionals.
- Fire prevention personnel have reviewed and approved the display plan, launch site, safety distances and operational procedures.
- Appropriate fire suppression resources and emergency response personnel will be on site during the event.
- Weather conditions will be monitored continuously leading up to and throughout the event.
- Monster Jam's pyrotechnics contractor and the U have contingency plans in place, including the ability to modify or cancel the display if conditions become unsafe.
Yes. As of July 1, trails in the area have been reopened by the Department of Public Lands.
The public is asked to stay out of the burn zone and off Mt. Van Cott Ridge trails until further notice. Firefighters also need space to safely complete suppression and rehabilitation work.
Always check the current trail status before visiting.
Burned landscapes can remain dangerous long after flames are gone. Hazards include unstable soil, rolling rocks and weakened trail infrastructure.
- For Utah Fire Info, visit utahfireinfo.gov
- For U.S. Forest Service Fire Closures information, visit fs.usda.gov
Yes.
One of the greatest risks after a wildfire is not another fire—it’s mudslides and debris flows. Burned soils often become less able to absorb water. Even relatively small summer thunderstorms can send mud, rocks and burned vegetation downhill into drainages and trails. These risks are often highest during the first one to three years after a wildfire. Without a specific study to evaluate the rebound and recovery for the burned areas, the US Geological Survey would typically expect above-normal concerns for three to five years. As the area regrows vegetation and hydrophobic soils break down, the hazard reduces. An initial postfire debris-flow hazard assessment has been conducted for the Bonneville Fire and results can be viewed here.
Neighborhoods and campus facilities to the west of the burn area that are near areas designated as orange in the graphic illustration to the right can anticipate 20-40% likelihood of a debris-flow in response to a storm with a peak 15-minute rainfall intensity of 1 inch/hr (26 mm/hr) over the burn scar area.
Additionally, downhill residents should be prepared for potential debris flows and flooding and follow flood response guidance. After the fire, natural flood pathways have been disturbed, and water management structures have been installed. In developed areas, these installations may be overwhelmed. Seek guidance on flooding from Salt Lake City storm drain managers and public works engineers, as they understand where flows will be directed during heavy weather events. The public can also call the Salt Lake City Police Department non-emergency line at 801-799-3000 or Salt Lake City Public Utilities.
In anticipation of potential storm debris in and around the 4 drainage areas impacting campus, the U is prepared with sandbags that can be deployed as needed.
All areas of the foothills along the Wasatch Front have elevated fire risk, and people need to keep in mind that what happened above campus this time could happen in Emigration Canyon, the upper Avenues or at the mouth of the Cottonwood Canyons in the future.
Read the Q&A with Philip Dennison, chair of the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability and the leading expert in wildfire science, where he addresses Utah’s wildfire outlook, the factors shaping this year’s fire season and how Utahns can reduce fire danger.
Make and practice an evacuation plan with multiple routes, keep disaster kits updated, know how to shut off gas/electric/water, have a battery-operated radio and create defensible space around homes or buildings. On campus, students, faculty and staff should familiarize themselves with building exits, understand the SRP alert system and keep emergency supplies ready.
Community members who are not part of the CIS campus alert system can download the Utah360 app and choose to receive campus alerts.
Yes. Wildfire is a natural part of many Utah ecosystems.
Many animals temporarily relocate during and immediately after a fire. Some species return quickly, while others may take months or years as vegetation recovers.
Community members should never attempt to feed or rescue wildlife unless directed by wildlife professionals and can consult the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at wildlife.utah.gov for additional information.
There is no indication that the Bonneville Fire has affected Salt Lake City’s water supply, which is used by the University of Utah for drinking water.
Campus water comes from treated municipal systems that undergo regular monitoring for safety and water quality by both the city and campus. Municipal drinking water is monitored and treated before reaching homes and campus facilities.
Drinking water systems are not expected to be affected, but wildfires can temporarily affect streams and small watersheds.
Residents should avoid drinking directly from streams or springs in recently burned areas, as ash and sediment may wash into streams.
- EPA Wildfire and Drinking Water: epa.gov/waterutilityresponse
- Utah Division of Water Quality: deq.utah.gov/water-quality
- Utah Division of Drinking Water: deq.utah.gov/division-drinking-water
The Bonneville Fire was human-caused but the is still under investigation. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available.
Most wildfires in Utah are human-caused and Be Ready Utah says common-sense prevention can help prevent roughly 70% of Utah wildfires. The campus community can help prevent wildfires by using simple prevention habits: avoid starting unnecessary fires, fully extinguish any fires you do start, never leave fires unattended, prevent roadside sparks by keeping vehicles in good condition, don’t throw cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicles and pay close attention during hot, dry, windy conditions.
The best way to help is to:
- Respect trail closures.
- Stay out of burned areas until they reopen.
- Never fly drones near wildfire operations.
- Report smoke or new fire starts immediately.
- Follow official updates from the U, Utah Fire Info and local emergency managers.
Avoid entering restoration areas or creating unofficial trail detours.
Additional contacts:
-
University of Utah Emergency Management
https://alert.utah.eduUtah Fire Info
https://utahfireinfo.govU.S. Forest Service Intermountain Region
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r4National Interagency Fire Center
https://www.nifc.govUtah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands
https://ffsl.utah.govUtah Department of Environmental Quality
https://deq.utah.govNational Weather Service Salt Lake City
https://weather.gov/slcU.S. Geological Survey Wildfire Hazards
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards/wildfires