Largest U.S. wildfire grows to 144 square miles in Utah

The largest wildfire currently burning in the United States has expanded to more than 144 square miles in southern Utah, damaging the Eagle Point ski resort and prompting evacuations in several small communities. The Cottonwood Fire has forced campground closures in Fishlake National Forest and the shutdown of other public lands in the area.

Officials declared a state emergency and restricted fireworks statewide on Friday, citing one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent history.

Conditions and response Air tankers and helicopters resumed operations on Saturday as forecasters warned that extreme fire behavior could return in the afternoon. The U.S. Forest Service stated that humidity levels remain low and winds are expected to increase.

Red-flag warnings cover a broad region from California through southern Arizona and New Mexico, with gusts forecast between 25 and 35 miles per hour. Rocky Mountain Power cut electricity to six southern Utah counties to reduce ignition risk.

Impact on residents and visitors Evacuations were ordered Friday for Eureka and the Vernon Reservoir area southwest of Salt Lake City. Highways through the region remain closed. Two additional fires, the Iron and Cherry fires, have together burned 111 square miles in the same part of the state.

Smoke from the Cottonwood Fire was visible from Bryce Canyon National Park and parts of Colorado on Friday. A visitor at an RV park in Marysvale said evenings have been smoky but the family has continued to enjoy the area where they have vacationed for nearly two decades.