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Utah wildfire reaches 112 square miles
The Cottonwood Fire expanded rapidly in southern Utah under extreme weather conditions. Officials declared an emergency and restricted fireworks while air operations were suspended.
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The Cottonwood Fire grew to more than 112 square miles in southern Utah on Friday as hot, dry and windy conditions accelerated its spread through treetops. Gusts reached 45 miles per hour while humidity remained in single digits, grounding air tankers and helicopters. Fire crews had limited options for slowing the flames.
The governor declared an emergency and banned fireworks statewide. Officials cited the risk that any spark could ignite additional fires under the current conditions. A cold front forecast for Sunday is expected to shift wind directions before weather stabilizes next week. Red flag warnings cover areas from Idaho to southern Arizona and New Mexico.
The plume remained visible from Colorado. At Grand Canyon National Park, utility crews prepared for a possible power shutoff on Saturday to reduce ignition risk. Visitors were advised to download maps and charge devices in advance. Rocky Mountain Power issued a public safety power shutoff watch for parts of central, southern and eastern Utah through the weekend.
Nearly 3 million acres have burned nationwide since January, exceeding the 10-year average.
