Utah's Cottonwood fire has expanded to more than 92,000 acres as of Saturday morning, making it the largest active wildfire in the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The blaze, which ignited on Monday in the Fishlake National Forest in central Utah, has grown by 20,000 acres overnight due to strong winds and low humidity. Firefighters report zero containment, and the fire has already caused property damage at a ski resort in Beaver County and forced the closure of the national forest.
Fire Behavior and Weather Conditions
The Cottonwood fire intensified rapidly from about 70,000 acres to over 92,000 acres, stoked by gusty winds and dry conditions. Authorities expect slightly improved weather on Saturday but warn that afternoon temperatures and wind speeds could trigger "extreme fire behavior" once again. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a rare red flag warning on Thursday, indicating a high risk of rapid fire spread and life-threatening conditions.
Impact on Communities and Air Quality
Residents north-east of the fire, including those in the small town of Marysvale, have been warned about "unhealthy" air quality due to smoke from the blaze. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire has also led to the closure of the Fishlake National Forest.
Utah's Unprecedented Wildfire Season
Utah is experiencing an exceptional wildfire season. Two other fires burning near Eureka, about 80 miles south of Salt Lake City, have consumed approximately 70,000 acres combined, prompting evacuations. According to a state government dashboard, Utah has recorded 380 fires this year, with humans responsible for 273 of them. In response, Governor Spencer Cox has implemented temporary restrictions on firework use statewide ahead of the Fourth of July, which marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Officials' Concerns and Preventive Measures
Jamie Barnes, director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, emphasized the severity of the situation in a Thursday news release. "This is unlike anything we've seen in recent memory," Barnes said. "We're seeing fires spread farther and faster under conditions that defy historical expectations. Some of the fires we've responded to this year are behaving in ways veteran firefighters simply haven't seen before. Our firefighters have been working around the clock, our resources are stretched, and we cannot afford preventable ignitions during the days ahead."
