Utah residents and campers in Tooele and Box Elder counties faced evacuations as wildfires driven by strong winds spread rapidly across the region. As reported by FOX 13, the "South Willow Fire" in Tooele County, initiated by lightning, compelled evacuation orders for North Willow Canyon, though the orders were subsequently lifted, and campers regained access to the area.

According to KSL, the South Willow Fire stretched over 100 acres before containment efforts reduced it to 48 acres with 10% containment battling blazes is particularly challenging amid smoky conditions that obscure visibility and strong winds that fuel the fire's spread and carry smoke to neighboring areas. Crews at the scene were supported by state and federal resources, including multiple fire engines, bulldozers, and air support.

Visibility concerns weren't limited to the immediate vicinity of the flames, as the smoke also affected broader swathes of northern Utah. As ABC4 reports, smoke from the Utah fires and others from Southern California was expected to hover in the area at least until September 12, with shifting winds potentially bringing smoke from additional fires in eastern Idaho and Oregon into the state.