UINTAH COUNTY, Utah, March 19, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A firefighter was injured Wednesday while battling a 20-acre wildland fire east of Fort Duchesne, according to the Uintah Fire District.
The fire was reported around 4 p.m. about a quarter-mile east of Fort Duchesne near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and 7500 East. Local, state and federal resources responded.
Fire investigators said the fire is human-caused.
During suppression efforts, the firefighter received immediate first aid and was transported by ambulance to a burn center for further treatment and evaluation. The circumstances of the injury also are under investigation.
An initial evacuation warning was issued, but no residents were ultimately evacuated. Crews were able to protect nearby homes as the fire moved south through heavy brush and cottonwood trees. Access was difficult in some areas due to terrain and wetlands.
No homes were lost in the fire. Highway 40 was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of the public and first responders.
