'Exceptionally rare' fire weather warning issued in Utah as massive Cottonwood Fire scorches 70,000 acres
The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City, Utah, is urging people in the central and southwestern part of the state to "prepare now" for rapid wildfire growth after issuing the first Particularly Dangerous Situation warning for fire weather in the office's history.
BEAVER, Utah — The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Salt Lake City, Utah, is urging people in the central and southwestern part of the state to "prepare now" for rapid wildfire growth after issuing the first Particularly Dangerous Situation warning for fire weather in the office's history.
Wildfires have scorched more than 100,00 acres across the state, including the Cottonwood Fire in Fishlake National Forest, which has engulfed more than 70,000 acres and remains uncontained. The fires prompted Gov. Spencer Cox to issue an executive order Thursday restricting — and in some cases prohibiting — fireworks ahead of and during the July Fourth holiday.
Parts of the Sierra Front and central Nevada, as well as northwestern Arizona, are also under Extreme Fire Weather Warnings Friday.
An increased chance of dry thunderstorms also exists Friday, with lightning that could ignite new fires while producing little or no rainfall.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, an unseasonably powerful weather system is bringing strong, dry winds to the region, which could fan any fires that spark. Combined with current low humidities and bone-dry conditions across much of the Four Corners region, these are ideal conditions for rapid wildfire spread.
Fire Weather Alerts will remain through the weekend, as relative humidity is expected to remain low, while wind gusts will likely exceed 30 mph, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Wildfire smoke is also reducing air quality across parts of the Four Corners.
The Cottonwood Fire started on Monday in the Fishlake National Forest on Beaver Mountain.
The fire rapidly spread, prompting evacuations and road closures throughout the area in Fishlake National Forest, Piute County and Beaver County.
As of Friday morning, the Cottonwood Fire burned more than 70,000 acres and remained uncontained.
A ski destination, Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, was forced to close and evacuate due to fire risk.
On Wednesday afternoon, Eagle Point Resort owner Shane Gadbaw took to social media to express gratitude to firefighters and first responders battling the wildfire.
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Gadbaw said no one died in the fire to his knowledge, but the resort suffered significant property loss.
"Eagle Point will be closed for a considerable time to recover from the catastrophe," he said.
The social media posts extended thanks to the public for supporting the resort during the difficult time.
Fire officials have not determined what caused the Cottonwood Fire.
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In addition to the Cottonwood Fire, the Iron Fire is burning northwest of Eureka, Utah.
According to Utah Fire Info, the wildfire is more than 40,500 acres and 27% contained. Its cause is under investigation.
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On Tuesday, satellites picked up smoke from the Cottonwood Fire blowing into Colorado.
A dry winter across the Intermountain West has helped lay the foundation for the current wildfire threat. Much of Utah's Wasatch Range received less than 25% of its average snowfall this past season.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on the wildfires and fire weather conditions.
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