ENVIRONMENT

Salt Lake City wildfire threatens University of Utah hospital

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 21, 2026 — Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the Bonneville Fire, a 200-acre wildfire burning in steep terrain above the University of Utah. The fire was first reported at about 5:55 p.m. Sunday near 950 E. Circle of Hope Drive, just north of University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute. Within an hour, officials said the blaze had grown from roughly 50 acres to about 200 acres. By 7:30 p.m., the Salt Lake City Fire Department reported the fire was burning slowly to the south while remaining north of Red Butte Canyon Road, and that crews from several jurisdictions were on scene. An urgent campus alert issued by the University of Utah at 9:30 p.m. instructed people in the immediate area to stay in place as smoke drifted south over the east side of campus. The alert said a wildfire was burning directly east of the University of Utah Hospital and campus housing, but noted that no structures were currently at risk and that all University of Utah Health hospitals and clinics remained fully operational. The university said police and security would notify those needing to evacuate if the fire’s trajectory changed or if any buildings came under threat. As of an 11:16 p.m. update, officials reported the fire remained at an estimated 200 acres with 0% containment, and said crews would continue working through the night under a unified command that includes the Salt Lake City Fire Department, Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the U.S. Forest Service, and University Police.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Sunday, 5:55 p.m. Fire first reported above campus
Sunday evening Fire located near Circle of Hope
Within an hour Fire growth reaches about 50 acres
7:30 p.m. Bonneville Fire estimated at 200 acres
7:00 p.m. alert Wildfire burning east of hospital
9:30 p.m. University issues shelter-in-place alert
11:16 p.m. Officials report zero percent containment
Overnight Crews maintain unified firefighting command

Why This Matters to You

The Bonneville Fire is a potential safety concern if you're in or near the University of Utah. Smoke is drifting south, which could affect air quality. If you're in the area, stay alert for updates from officials.

The Bottom Line

The wildfire is still at zero percent containment, but no structures are currently at risk. Firefighters from multiple agencies are working tirelessly to control the fire. Keep an eye on updates and be ready to act if evacuation orders are issued. Worth forwarding if you know someone near the University of Utah.