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

ELBERTA, Utah (June 22, 2026) — American Red Cross of Utah volunteers continued staffing an emergency shelter early Monday, providing disaster support for hundreds of Eureka residents forced to evacuate as the fast-moving Iron Fire threatened their community.

The shelter is located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15331 S 12800 W in Elberta. Red Cross volunteers and staff, local community partners and emergency responders will keep the shelter open as long as it is needed.

“Being forced to leave their homes has had a profound impact on the people of Eureka, leaving families displaced and waiting for word on when it will be safe to return,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Our teams are committed to helping residents today and for as long as support is needed.”

The Red Cross of Utah is working with emergency management officials and local partners to support Eureka residents displaced by the Iron Fire. The Utah Food Bank provided food and beverages evacuees could take with them from the shelter.

Iron Fire Remains Uncontained
The Iron Fire has burned more than 22,000 acres since it began Friday night and was 0% contained as of Sunday night. State and local officials have warned that dry weather, gusty winds and low humidity continue to create dangerous fire conditions.

The fire started on private land west of Eureka and has since spread onto federal land near the borders of Juab, Tooele and Utah counties.

Utah Enters Fire Season Under Drought Emergency
The elevated fire weather comes as Utah remains under a statewide drought emergency following the state’s warmest winter and lowest snowpack on record. Currently, 100% of Utah is experiencing drought conditions, with 59% classified as extreme drought.

Utah’s 2025 wildfire season was the state’s most active in years, with nearly 165,000 acres burned, the most since 2020 and more than the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons combined. State officials reported 1,161 wildfires last year, with estimated suppression costs reaching $191.8 million.

Utah could see more large wildfires this year because of low snowpack, drought and expected high summer temperatures. The National Interagency Fire Center projects above-normal significant fire potential in far southwest Utah, in higher elevations by June and across much of the state by July.

Prepare Before Evacuations Are Ordered
The Red Cross encourages residents in areas at higher wildfire risk to prepare now:

• Know where to go if an evacuation is ordered and identify more than one route out of the area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor updates from fire officials, law enforcement and emergency management agencies.
• Keep a go-kit ready with water, medications, important documents, phone chargers, clothing, cash, hygiene items and supplies for children, older adults, pets and people with medical needs.
• Move flammable items away from homes, including outdoor furniture, firewood, dry leaves and anything stored near decks, fences or garages.
• Keep vehicles fueled or charged and parked facing out.
• Never drive around road closures or return to an evacuated area until officials say it is safe.

Avoid Sparks During Critical Fire Weather
During periods of high fire danger, even a small spark can start a fast-moving fire. Residents and visitors should avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, secure trailer chains so they do not drag on pavement and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass. Equipment that creates sparks should be used with extreme caution and in line with local fire restrictions.

Stay Informed
The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, shelter information and preparedness guidance. The Red Cross First Aid app includes step-by-step instructions for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.

More wildfire safety information is available at redcross.org/wildfire.

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.