3 firefighters killed, 2 injured as large wildfires scorch more than 200K acres in Utah and Colorado
Wildfires have scorched more than 200,000 acres across the state, prompting Gov. Spencer Cox to restrict fireworks ahead of and during the July 4th holiday.
Numerous wildfires spread across the Southwest US
Large plumes of smoke cover the sky across portions of the Southwest U.S., as wildfires spread across Colorado and Utah, claiming the lives of three firefighters recently. FOX News Correspondent Max Gorden shares the latest:
BEAVER, Utah — Three firefighters have died and two others were injured while battling wildfires along the Colorado-Utah border, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
The three wildland firefighters died on Saturday as part of an inter-agency response to an outbreak of wildfires, including the Knowles and Gore fires, which later became the Snyder Fire. That fire is currently burning over 28,000 acres, according to officials.
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Two firefighters were also injured in the line of duty and have been taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
"Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time," the U.S. Wildland Fire Service said in a statement. "The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Multiple counties in Utah have evacuation orders in place for residents as dangerous weather conditions continue to fuel about a dozen large wildfires burning more than 200,000 acres combined across the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Salt Lake City issued the first Particularly Dangerous Situation warning for fire weather in the office's history on Thursday as low humidity and high winds contributed to extreme fire growth in the southwest desert and central and southern mountains of Utah.
Flames from the Cottonwood Fire burn atop a mountain in Fishlake National Forest.
(U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Wildfires have scorched more than 208,000 acres across Utah, including the Cottonwood Fire in Fishlake National Forest, which has engulfed more than 93,500 acres and remains uncontained.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the Cottonwood Fire is the fourth-largest wildfire to hit Utah since 2002.
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Other wildfire starts, including the Cherry Fire and the Maple Peak Fire, have prompted multiple evacuation orders for cities in the area, and continue to grow in size.
Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran issued a state of emergency on Friday to allow ample response time as wildfires inch closer.
Los Padres Interagency Hotshot Crew is constructing direct fireline on the southwest portion of the Cottonwood fire above Birch Lake.
"This declaration allows the county to access additional resources and better position ourselves to respond to current and future needs," Beltran said. "At this time, there is no imminent threat to Utah County residents."
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.
In response to the raging wildfires, Rocky Mountain Power, a regional utility, issued Public Safety Power Shutoff watches and warnings affecting over 18,000 homes and businesses across southern Utah.
The Cottonwood Fire looks almost like a volcano erupting, with a massive smoke plume towering over a nearby town in this striking still image captured around 3 p.m. MDT on June 26.
(UTAH DOT)
Rocky Mountain Power said it de-energized power lines serving parts of Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Millard and Washington counties.
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Extreme Fire Weather conditions were in effect for parts of eastern Utah, western Colorado extending down into northeastern New Mexico and northwestern Arizona on Saturday.
Although the system peaked on Saturday, a tight pressure gradient sustained dangerous southwesterly winds through the weekend. These conditions are very dangerous, as they can lead to even more fires igniting and spreading.
(FOX Weather)
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 low humidity and bone-dry conditions across much of the Four Corners region, these are ideal conditions for rapid wildfire spread.
Wildfire smoke is also reducing air quality across parts of the Four Corners.
(FOX Weather)
Cottonwood Fire damages ski resort
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.
Smoke rises through Utah mountains amid massive Cottonwood Fire
The Cottonwood Fire started on Monday amid increasing fire weather conditions across Utah and the Four Corners. The fire has rapidly increased in size, burning more than 60,000 acres including a ski resort.
A ski destination, Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, was forced to close and evacuate due to fire risk.
Thick smoke blocks the sky in between mountains in Utah's Beaver County on Tuesday, June 23.
(U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Following this, 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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![A plane drops fire retardant onto the Cottonwood Fire on June 23.]()
Image 1 of 3A plane drops fire retardant onto the Cottonwood Fire on June 23. (U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook)
![The Cottonwood Fire looms over a town in Utah on June 23.]()
Image 2 of 3The Cottonwood Fire looms over a town in Utah on June 23. (U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook)
![The Cottonwood Fire glows orange in the distance in Fishlake National Forest.]()
Image 3 of 3The Cottonwood Fire glows orange in the distance in Fishlake National Forest. (U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook)
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.
Iron Fire burns across Utah, scorching 30,000+ acres
The Iron Fire started on June 19 northwest of Eureka, Utah. Fire officials say the fire is 17% contained and has burned 37,172 acres of Thursday.
According to Utah Fire Info, the wildfire is more than 41,000 acres and 77% contained. It is reportedly a human-caused fire, as the investigation is ongoing.
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The fire has burned so fiercely that satellites detected smoke from the Cottonwood Fire blowing into Colorado.
Firefighters from the "TRC Regulars" type 2 crew prepare fire line south of North Fork.
(Mike McMillan/USFS / FOX Weather)
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.