The Cottonwood Fire in southwest Utah has rapidly expanded to cover 92,000 acres, making it the largest active wildfire in the U.S. as of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The blaze, which began on Monday in the Fishlake National Forest, grew by an additional 20,000 acres overnight due to low humidity and strong winds, according to state officials. The fire remains at 0% containment, and its cause is still under investigation.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Cottonwood Fire has destroyed part of a ski resort and summer cabins in Beaver County, though no injuries or casualties have been reported. Authorities have closed the Fishlake National Forest and issued evacuation orders for residents in the path of the fire. Utah Governor Spencer Cox implemented temporary statewide restrictions on fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July, citing the extreme fire risk.
Deeper Dive & Context
Challenges in Firefighting
Firefighters face significant obstacles due to the rugged terrain, including steep cliffs and canyons, which hinder access for heavy equipment. Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson for the fire response, stated that while the terrain does not make firefighting impossible, it slows down operations. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to combat the blaze, with additional resources arriving from other states.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
The National Weather Service issued a rare red flag warning for Utah, indicating a high risk of rapid fire spread and life-threatening conditions. Officials expect slightly improved weather conditions but warn of potential extreme fire behavior in the afternoon due to rising temperatures and wind speeds. Residents in nearby areas, including the town of Marysvale, have been advised of unhealthy air quality due to smoke.
Broader Wildfire Activity
Utah is experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season, with two other fires near Eureka consuming about 70,000 acres combined, prompting evacuations. The state has seen a surge in wildfire activity due to prolonged dry and windy conditions across the western U.S., with new fires breaking out in Arizona and other regions.
Government Response
Governor Cox praised firefighting crews for their efforts, calling their work "several miraculous stops and saves." The state has mobilized resources to assess damage and support affected communities, though no official estimates of property loss are yet available.