A massive wildfire broke out on Sunday evening in Slate Canyon, Provo, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Social media photos and videos showed the fire spreading quickly across the mountains near Springville, Utah.

Authorities Respond to Blaze

The Provo City Government said officials were first alerted to the wildfire burning in Buckley Draw Canyon, just south of Slate Canyon, around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“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 city stated.

Springville Firefighters Local 5439 confirmed their participation in the firefighting efforts. “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,” they said.

Springville City also said it is monitoring the fire and ready to help if needed. “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 city added.

The Lindon Police Department urged people not to overload emergency lines. "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,” they said.

Eyewitness Reports

Several local residents shared updates and concerns on social media as the fire spread.

One person 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.”

Another one wrote on his social media post, "Hopefully everybody is OK in South Provo where there’s a large fire raging on the mountain side within the last hour."

Hopefully everybody is OK in South Provo where there’s a large fire raging on the mountain side within the last hour. pic.twitter.com/f96mSWMVH3

— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) August 17, 2025

Another reported, “Well that's not good. East of Provo, possibly as far south as Hobble Creek Canyon out of Springville.”

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

— Adam Gerulat (@adamgerulat) August 17, 2025

A third person added, “Huge fire above Springville and Provo up above East Bay and the detention center watching helicopters drop water on it.”

New "Montana" fire in Slate Canyon - Provo #montanafire pic.twitter.com/dAeVRwOFq4

— Parker Boyack (@ParkerBoyack) August 17, 2025