Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LA SAL, Utah (July 11, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah has positioned emergency shelter supplies and has a team of trained disaster volunteers on standby on Friday as firefighters continue to battle the Deer Creek Fire in San Juan County. The wildfire has already destroyed multiple structures and continues to threaten other nearby homes.

“Wildfires like the Deer Creek Fire remind us of the unpredictable and destructive power of fast-moving flames,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Preparation and quick action are essential during these emergencies. The Red Cross is committed to supporting affected communities and ensuring evacuees have the resources they need to stay safe and recover.”

The Red Cross of Utah continues to coordinate with San Juan County Emergency Manager Tammy Gallegos, local fire officials and county leaders to provide assistance as needed. Once conditions are safe, Red Cross volunteers will meet with residents whose homes have been affected, offering help with replacing medications or medical equipment, providing cleanup materials and guidance through the recovery process. Volunteers will also connect families with community resources to address long-term needs.

Deer Creek Fire Continues to Grow
The Deer Creek Fire ignited Thursday afternoon near Old La Sal and has rapidly grown to over 4,000 acres as of Friday. Local, state and federal firefighting resources are working to contain the blaze. At least 12 structures have been destroyed, with concerns that some may be homes. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation alerts for residents within a 5-mile radius of the fire or Mountain Shadow Estates. A cooling center has been opened at the La Sal Community Center on Highway 46 to assist evacuees.

Red Cross Wildfire Tips
Wildfires can spread quickly and unpredictably, making preparation and safety measures essential. The following tips can help individuals and families stay safe before, during and after a wildfire:

Before Wildfire Season:

• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass or brush to prevent accidental sparks.
• Use outdoor equipment like lawn mowers and chainsaws responsibly, as they can ignite fires.
• Always supervise outdoor fires and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.
• Safely dispose of charcoal briquettes and fireplace ashes.
• Store combustible materials in approved containers, keeping them away from homes.
• Regularly clear roofs and gutters of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Identify an emergency outdoor water source, such as a pond or swimming pool and ensure a hose can reach all areas of your property.
• Clearly mark driveways and house numbers to assist emergency responders.

Emergency Kit Essentials:

• Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with food, water, medications, digital copies of important documents and essential supplies for your family and pets.
• Use Red Cross emergency apps for step-by-step guidance on building your kit.

During a Wildfire:

• Monitor local media for emergency updates and evacuation orders.
• Reduce exposure to smoke by closing windows and doors and staying indoors.
• If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately and head to a pre-identified safe location.

Returning Home After a Fire:

• Only return to your home or neighborhood when authorized by fire officials.
• Be cautious in burned areas, as hazards like hot spots may still be present.

Emergency Information at Your Fingertips
Be better prepared for emergencies by downloading the free Red Cross apps. The Emergency app provides live weather updates, shelter locations and expert disaster advice, while the First Aid app offers step-by-step guidance for injuries, including lifesaving CPR instructions. Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps to download.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.