Firefighters Battle Cottonwood Fire Now Over 93000 Acres

The Cottonwood Fire continued to grow over the weekend, reaching 93,918 acres as of Monday morning while remaining at 0 percent containment. The wildfire, which began June 22 on the Fishlake National Forest near Beaver, remains under investigation and is being fought by approximately 1,200 personnel.

Fire activity increased Sunday when rolling, burning debris reignited fuels in the bottom of North Creek, producing a large smoke column. Fire officials reported the flare-up remained well within the established fireline and eventually burned back into the main fire after consuming available fuels.

Courtesy U.S. Forest Service

Firefighters continued strengthening containment lines across several areas of the fire Sunday and overnight. Crews improved fireline along Thompson Ridge and Black Ridge, while night shift personnel completed work on a lower dozer line and continued operations from Silver King toward Marysvale. Firefighters also worked active fire in Cottonwood Canyon.

Work Will Concentrate on Baldwin Ridge and North Creek

Today's efforts are focusing on constructing additional fireline along Baldwin Ridge and North Creek using rappel crews transported by helicopter. Hazard tree removal will continue in Cottonwood Canyon, while firefighters engage in direct suppression efforts between Oak Springs and Belly Ache Creek. Helicopters will also support ground crews by attacking areas inaccessible by foot.

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Residents are invited to attend a community meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Beaver High School, 195 East Center Street. Representatives from Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 and cooperating agencies will provide an update on firefighting operations and answer questions from the public. A live stream will also be available on the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.

Courtesy U.S. Forest Service

Fire officials caution that increasing fire activity is expected over the next several days as drier southwest winds return to the area. Although cooler temperatures and higher humidity moderated fire behavior Sunday, wind gusts approaching 20 mph and continued dry fuels could contribute to more active burning.

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Fishlake National Forest closures remain in effect, State Highway 153 remains closed in both directions, and an evacuation center continues operating at the National Guard Armory, 120 South Main Street in Beaver. Officials encourage residents to monitor evacuation information and changing fire conditions as suppression efforts continue.