Massive Wildfire Erupts in Slate Canyon, Sends Smoke Over Provo as Crews Battle Flames

A large wildfire broke out on Sunday evening in Slate Canyon, Provo, sending heavy smoke across the skies. Photos and videos on social media showed the blaze quickly spreading across the mountains near Springville, Utah.

Authorities Rush to Control the Blaze

The Provo City Government said the fire was first reported around 5 p.m. on Sunday, when flames were spotted burning in Buckley Draw Canyon, just south of Slate Canyon.

In an official statement, the city confirmed: “Helicopters and airplane tankers are working the fire, as well as crews from Provo Fire, Utah County Fire and the Fire Service. Currently there are no evacuation orders. Light wind conditions are pushing the fire up the mountain. Please avoid the area to allow responders to work safely and efficiently. We’ll provide updates as conditions change.”

The Springville Firefighters Local 5439 also updated residents on their involvement, stating: “Springville Firefighters and neighboring agencies are aware of a fire between Provo and Springville in the Slate Canyon area on the mountain. Responders are already on the scene. Please keep 911 lines open to report new emergencies or threats to life or property.”

Springville City clarified that while the wildfire is within Provo’s boundaries, they are prepared to assist: “We are aware of the fire north of Springville. It’s actually located up Slate Canyon in Provo area. Utah County has responded. We are prepared to assist if called upon.”

The Lindon Police Department also appealed to residents to avoid overwhelming emergency lines. They wrote: “There is a fire on the side of the mountain in Provo. Our dispatch center has been inundated with 911 calls. Please do not call to report this fire unless you have new or pertinent information. A multi agency response has been dispatched and crews are working hard. Thank you and keep our firefighters in your thoughts.”

Residents Share Worry and First-Hand Accounts

Local people expressed their alarm on social media as the fire spread further into the mountains.

One resident posted on Facebook: “Urgent prayer request! There’s a fire up the canyon, south of the Y. Just below it are homes and hikers frequent that hike. Please pray for the safety of the hikers, the animals, those fighting the fire, the water supply containments in that area, and the homes just below.”

Fire moving up the mountain in Provo pic.twitter.com/kaWs1Q9XZO

— Adam Gerulat (@adamgerulat) August 17, 2025

Another user wrote: “Well that’s not good. East of Provo, possibly as far south as Hobble Creek Canyon out of Springville.”

A third witness described seeing firefighting operations: “Huge fire above Springville and Provo up above East Bay and the detention center watching helicopters drop water on it.”