Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared an emergency and implemented temporary fireworks restrictions through July 5, citing "unprecedented" dry conditions fueling a fast-moving wildfire in the southern part of the state. The Cottonwood Fire, the largest blaze currently burning in the U.S., has expanded rapidly, exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy weather that is challenging firefighters.
On Friday, gusts reaching 45 miles per hour and single-digit humidity levels hampered firefighting efforts, grounding air tankers and helicopters. Fire managers reported observing extreme fire behavior, including crown runs and spotting, as flames moved through treetops. The Cottonwood Fire has grown to over 112 square miles, severely damaging the Eagle Point ski resort and leading to evacuations in the community of Marysvale, where smoke blocked out the sun and ash fell.
Meteorologist Jason Straub described the current weather as critical and unlike anything seen in Utah in the last five years, with a cold front expected Sunday to potentially push the fire in new directions before conditions stabilize next week.
Nationally, nearly 3 million acres have burned this year, exceeding the 10-year average. Red flag warnings are in effect across a wide area from Idaho to southern Arizona and New Mexico, with forecasts predicting winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, particularly in central and southern Utah.
In Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is preparing for a potential public safety power shutoff on Saturday as a measure to mitigate wildfire risk. Utility officials have warned of the possibility of initiating such outages during sustained winds and high fire danger. Visitors are advised to download information and charge devices, as park pass purchases may be affected if backup power systems are strained.
Experts point to persistent drought conditions in states like Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico as a contributing factor to the extreme fire behavior. The potential for dangerous conditions is expected to continue as long as hot, dry, and windy weather persists. Governor Cox noted that human activity has been the cause of most fires in Utah this year, even as the state grapples with conditions that defy historical expectations.