Utah's Cottonwood Fire Expands Amid Critical Fire Weather
Utah's Cottonwood Fire Expands Amid Critical Fire Weather
US · Published Jun 28, 2026
The Cottonwood Fire in southwest Utah has grown to over 144 square miles (373 square kilometers), making it the largest active wildfire in the United States.
Fueled by hot, dry, and windy conditions, the fire has destroyed parts of a ski resort and summer cabins.

Impact & Risks

The Cottonwood Fire poses significant risks to homes, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems in Utah. The fire's rapid growth and the challenging terrain have stretched firefighting resources. Other areas in the western U.S. are also at risk, with new fires prompting evacuation orders in Arizona. Power shutoffs have been implemented in some regions to reduce wildfire risks, leaving parts of northern Arizona and Utah without electricity. The ongoing drought and extreme weather conditions are exacerbating the wildfire threat across the region.

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