Uintah Basin Communications Center

10/14/2026

UPDATE: MISSING PERSON LOCATED

Wade Simonton has been located and is safe.

We would like to thank the public for sharing the alert and assisting in locating Mr. Simonton.

MISSING PERSON ALERT:
The Vernal Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating 65 year old Wade Simonton, who suffers from severe dementia. Wade is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds.

Wade was last seen on October 13, 2026, between the hours of 7:00pm and 8:00pm, in the area of 500 South Vernal Avenue, Vernal, Utah. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, baggy black pants, tan work boots, and an orange hat. Wade may be traveling on foot or may be riding or pushing a mountain style bicycle.

Anyone who has seen Wade Simonton or has information that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Uintah Basin Central Dispatch at (435)789-4222.

Please share this information to help locate Wade and ensure his safe return.

08/31/2026

🚨UPDATE ROAD IS OPEN 🚨

🚧 ROAD CLOSURE — INDIAN CANYON 🚧

Indian Canyon is closed in both directions due to mudslides. UDOT crews are working to clear the roadway and get it safely reopened.

Please avoid the area, plan an alternate route, and respect all closure signs and barricades.

08/11/2026

Yellowstone Reservoir, Reservoir Campground, and the surrounding day use area are closed while crews remove the Yellowstone Reservoir Dam. This temporary closure is to protect public health and safety while the dam is removed and surrounding area restored to a natural river. A map of the closure area is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/ashley/alerts

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

🚨🚨THERE IS NO EVACUATION ORDER FOR THE BASIN 🚨🚨

08/06/2026

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨UPDATE🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
From: Sheriff Travis Tucker
Date: August 6, 2026
Subject: Little Horse Fire Road Closures Lifted

Effective 2:00 p.m. today, all road closures associated with the Little Horse Fire that were announced yesterday will be lifted.

The Sheriff's Office appreciates the public's patience and cooperation during these temporary closures. We also extend our gratitude to the firefighters, emergency responders, and partner agencies who have worked diligently to protect our communities and manage the incident safely.

Motorists are encouraged to remain alert while traveling in the area, as fire personnel and equipment may still be present.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

08/06/2026

update: The wildfire, located in Duchesne Co., is now 50% contained with no change in acreage. There are 85 personnel assigned, including 2 hand crews, a State Task Force, & various federal resources. Firefighters continue constructing hand line & installing hose lays around the fire.

08/05/2026

🚨Dispatch is aware of the fire north of Roosevelt off Highway 121.🚨

🚒 Fire crews are currently on scene actively working the incident. Please avoid the area if possible and give emergency personnel plenty of room to work safely.

08/05/2026

update: Located southwest of Fruitland in Duchesne County, the fire laid down overnight, allowing firefighters to make progress. The fire is estimated at 100+ acres, & additional resources are arriving today, including a Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Evacuation orders remain unchanged, including Avintaquin Canyon to the Strawberry River & Morning Star Ranch. Four evacuees remain displaced.

Please avoid the area, follow instructions from local officials, & stay alert for changing conditions & additional updates. (Photo was taken yesterday.)

07/29/2026

***UPDATE*** Indian Canyon is back open

🚧 TRAVEL ALERT – INDIAN CANYON CLOSED 🚧

Indian Canyon is closed in both directions due to a mudslide at milepost 281.

🚜 UDOT crews are on scene working to clear the roadway.

⏳ There is no estimated time for reopening. Please avoid the area, use an alternate route if possible, and give crews plenty of room to work safely. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available.