Wildfire breaks out in Buckley Draw Canyon
Aug 17, 2025, 6:43 PM | Updated: Aug 18, 2025, 9:05 am
A wildfire broke out in the Buckley Draw Canyon on Sunday afternoon. (Courtesy: Christine Frandsen)
(Courtesy: Christine Frandsen)
PROVO — A wildfire broke out in the Buckley Draw Canyon on Sunday afternoon.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Buckley Draw fire is 250-300 acres. It’s located west of Kyhv Peak Road and south of Slate Canyon.
A spokesperson said it started around 4:50 p.m.
A Provo City Facebook post stated that crews from both Provo Fire and Utah County Fire are working to extinguish the fire, including helicopters and airplane tankers.
“Currently, there are no evacuation orders,” the post stated. “Light wind conditions are pushing the fire up the mountain.”
At about 7 p.m., the wildfire had burned an estimated 250 acres and was “moving swiftly through dry grass and brush,” according to the U.S. Forest Service.
KSL TV spoke to some people who stopped to watch the intense fire fight.
Nearly 100 people gathered in one church parking for hours, watching as tankers and helicopters flew back and forth dropping water and fire retardant.
“They seem to be getting it under control well, but It is also moving up the mountain,” said Madison Mendell. “I’m glad it’s moving up the mountain instead of down toward houses.”
Kathy and Blake Mesenbrink said they were mesmerized watching crews attack the flames from the ground and the sky. They’re originally from Arkansas. They said they’ve never seen anything like it.
“This is our playground,” Kathy Mesenbrink said.
“It’s a shame seeing the mountains on fire, because it just destroys all the trees and stuff,” her husband, Blake said. “It’s a heartache, actually.”
Provo City is urging the public to stay away from the area and to allow first responders to “work safely and efficiently.”
Officials also asked for no drones to fly. It prevents critical air support from flying in.
This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.
