Smoke drifting over Sandy from the Wasatch canyons during the week of Oct. 18 is not an emergency.

The Unified Fire Authority said prescribed burns are underway in Millcreek Canyon, Lambs Canyon and Parleys Summit, according to KUTV. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest began the controlled burns on Sunday, Oct. 18. They were expected to run through Tuesday, Oct. 20, with possible extension depending on weather conditions.

Salt Lake County Emergency Management asked residents not to call 911 over the smoke.

"Please, do not be alarmed if you see smoke coming from these areas," Salt Lake County Emergency Management said. "Calling 911 to report smoke from these prescribed burns is unnecessary."

Residents should still call 911 if they see fire or smoke that appears unrelated to the burns, or if there is an immediate threat to life or property, the agency said.

The burns cover roughly 114 acres across the three canyons, ABC4 reported. In Millcreek Canyon, crews are burning about 25 acres along Millcreek Canyon Road from the winter gate to Big Water Trailhead. Lambs Canyon accounts for the largest area at about 64 acres south of Lambs Canyon Road. In Parleys Canyon, about 25 acres south of Interstate 80 near Parleys Summit and Summit Park are being burned.

Federal foresters are monitoring the fires on scene and will patrol the areas after burning is complete, according to ABC4.

The goal is to clear overgrown vegetation and accumulated fuel that could feed future wildfires, Salt Lake County Emergency Management said. Utah recorded 1,240 wildfires during the 2026 season, burning 560,795 acres, according to state data cited by KUTV.

The cost gap is steep. Jason Kling, a U.S. Forest Service district ranger for Richfield, told the Deseret News in an Oct. 8 report that last year's Monroe Canyon fire cost $1,500 per acre to contain. A prescribed burn he oversaw cost less than $40 per acre.

Some roads and trails near the burn areas may be temporarily closed. Warning signs will be posted. Drivers who encounter smoke on roadways should slow down and turn on headlights, the Forest Service said.

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is posting updates on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USFSUWCNF.