Utah is experiencing an unprecedented severe wildfire season. Recently, the "Cottonwood Fire" has burned over 230,000 rai, becoming the largest wildfire in the U.S. Authorities have yet to contain any part of the fire. The blaze has affected ski resorts and vacation homes, and the governor has banned fireworks on Independence Day.
Hundreds of firefighters in Utah continue efforts to control the "Cottonwood Fire," which ignited last Monday in the Fishlake National Forest in the state's central region.
The U.S. National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported the fire intensified overnight, expanding from approximately 70,000 acres (about 170,000 rai) to over 92,000 acres (approximately 230,000 rai) by Saturday (27 Jun). Dry weather, low humidity, and strong gusty winds have driven this fire to become the largest active wildfire currently burning in the U.S., with 0% containment.
Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the flames have severely damaged the "Eagle Point" ski resort in Beaver County and destroyed several vacation homes. The national forest has been temporarily closed, and authorities are assessing the exact damage costs.
Meanwhile, about 1,300 residents in Marysvale, Junction, and Circleville—located northeast of the smoke plume—have been warned to stay alert and prepare for immediate evacuation if conditions worsen. Air quality has been classified as "hazardous to health" due to thick smoke.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency, posting on social media to urge everyone to support and pray for firefighters and for rain to help. He also issued a temporary statewide ban on fireworks ahead of the U.S. Independence Day (4 Jul). "The situation is desperate and the worst we've ever seen, but hundreds of firefighters have miraculously protected and preserved important areas in many spots," he said.
The state's director of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands noted that Utah is facing an unprecedented severe wildfire season this year, with 380 fires recorded so far, 273 of which were caused by human activity.
In addition to the Cottonwood Fire, there are two other large wildfires southwest of Salt Lake City— the "Iron Fire" and the "Cherry Fire"—burning a combined area of over 112 square miles. Evacuations have been ordered in the city of Eureka and around Vernon Reservoir, with major highways closed.
The National Interagency Fire Center stated that not only Utah but much of the U.S. West is experiencing severe drought following the warmest winter on record and historically low snowpack. Currently, there are more than 36 large uncontrolled wildfires nationwide, from Alaska to Florida. Nearly 3 million acres have burned since the start of the year, exceeding the 10-year average.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a "Red Flag Warning," indicating extreme risk of rapid and dangerous wildfire spread across areas from California and Arizona to New Mexico.
Recently, a wildfire ignited south of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, leading the power company to temporarily shut off electricity in Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan communities to reduce the risk of power lines sparking additional fires. The park is currently without power, and tourists have been advised to prepare backup power and download offline maps before entering the area.
/sourceGuardian/Associated Press