The Utah fire, which has burned more than 70,000 acres (about 28,000 hectares), could become “the most destructive and expensive fire” in the state's history, ABC News reports, citing Gov. Spencer Cox. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, local authorities announced the evacuation of residents and tourists in several areas. More than a thousand firefighters are involved in the fight against the disaster, but the fire has not yet been localized.
The Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County started around 3:30 Monday afternoon. By evening, the flames began to approach the residential areas of Eagle Point and Merchant Valley, after which local residents and vacationers were ordered to evacuate. Among the damaged facilities was the popular Eagle Point Resort, which was destroyed by fire. For safety reasons, one of the highways in the mountainous area is also completely closed.
An incredible view of firing Ops on the Iron Fire in Utah. Crews continue to build containment and completed a burn the western flank yesterday, but fire weather and winds continue to be problematic.
Fire managers and crews continue to assess direct and indirect options moving… https://t.co/v8NnYEcZTU pic.twitter.com/wmy6O4gc1K
— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) June 24, 2026
There has been no information about dead or injured at this time. Fire containment as of Friday is 0%.
On Wednesday, Gov. Cox and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and Public Lands Director Jamie Barnes said at a news conference Wednesday that Utah firefighters are working to the limit. Federal fire units are being sent to the state to help fight the fire. It is reported that the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse 75% of the costs of extinguishing the fire.
“Our forces are stretched as far as possible. We have used everything we could, and our resources are exhausted,” he said.
Firefighters cannot work directly on the edge of a fire using the so-called “direct attack” method, since strong winds carry burning embers over long distances. The sparks ignite the parched vegetation around them, creating new fires and risking cutting off escape routes for rescuers between several large fires, Utah News Dispatch reports.
Barnes warned that weather conditions will pose additional challenges for firefighters in the coming days.
“The forecast for Friday and Saturday promises strong winds and low humidity. In some areas, gusts could reach 40-50 mph (64-80 km/h), and humidity will drop into the single digits, Barnes said.
According to the head of the department, the state is experiencing a severe drought, with extreme indicators recorded in 23 districts. Any spark can start a fire that can cover up to 1,000 acres (about 400 hectares) in just a few hours. The wildfire season was also preceded by the warmest winter on record and record low snow levels, the Utah News Dispatch added.
“A seemingly normal pine or juniper tree can be so dry that it burns like toilet paper,” the governor noted.
Cox announced a ban on fireworks, including during the Fourth of July holiday. At the same time, municipalities are allowed to independently determine special sites where the launching of fireworks will be permissible, Fox 13 notes.
“This will help ensure that our communities remain intact on July 5th. I would not have taken such a step if the situation had not been the most difficult we have ever faced,” he said.
In addition, Barnes noted that as of Friday, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are being introduced throughout the state, which prohibit lighting fires, including on private property.
The Cottonwood Fire is just one of 353 wildfires firefighters are currently battling across Utah. The Iron Fire in Juab County remains one of the largest. It covers more than 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) and is 27% contained. Barnes said the fire was likely caused by fireworks. This fire also led to mass evacuations – for example, all 600 residents of the city of Eureka left their homes as a result of the disaster.
An incredible view of firing Ops on the Iron Fire in Utah. Crews continue to build containment and completed a burn the western flank yesterday, but fire weather and winds continue to be problematic.
Fire managers and crews continue to assess direct and indirect options moving… https://t.co/v8NnYEcZTU pic.twitter.com/wmy6O4gc1K
— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) June 24, 2026
Barnes emphasized that about 80% of all wildfires in Utah are caused by human activity.
