Grass Fire Spreads Past 50 Acres Behind University of Utah Hospital

A grass fire broke out roughly an hour ago along the hillside behind the University of Utah hospital and medical campus, prompting an immediate response from Salt Lake City Fire Department crews and aerial firefighting assets. The fire was initially estimated at 50 acres, but officials say it has since spread beyond that mark as it moves through the steep, hilly terrain above the medical campus. SLCFD reports that no structures are currently threatened, though crews are continuing to monitor the fire's path closely given its proximity to the hospital complex.

Additional ground crews are making their way up the difficult terrain toward the flames to reinforce containment efforts, while air assets continue working from above to slow the fire's spread. Fire officials say an updated acreage figure is expected within the next half hour as the blaze continues to grow, and authorities are actively reassessing the situation in real time. The rugged hillside terrain is complicating access for ground crews, underscoring the importance of the aerial response in the early stages of the fire.

Salt Lake City Fire Department officials say the situation remains fluid, with resources being directed based on the fire's behavior and proximity to nearby structures, including the hospital and surrounding medical facilities. No injuries or evacuations have been reported at this time. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as containment efforts continue and a clearer picture of the fire's total size emerges.