State of Emergency declared in Utah as Cottonwood Fire grows to largest active wildfire in U.S.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a State of Emergency and temporarily expanded the state forester’s authority to restrict fireworks through July 5, 2026, after the Cottonwood Fire grew into the largest active wildfire in the United States. The fire had burned about 29 000 ha (71 841 acres) in Beaver County and remained 0% contained as extreme fire weather fueled rapid growth across southern Utah on Friday, June 26.
Los Padres Interagency Hotshot Crew is constructing direct fireline on the southwest portion of this fire above Birch Lake on June 25, 2026. Credit: Mike McMillan/USFS
Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, June 25, and imposed temporary statewide fireworks restrictions through July 5.
The emergency declaration temporarily expands the authority of the Utah state forester to prohibit the discharge of fireworks, including within municipal boundaries, where wildfire conditions warrant.
Municipalities may still designate approved fireworks discharge areas with the agreement of the mayor and fire chief, or other officials designated by the state forester, while licensed public fireworks displays remain exempt.
The emergency declaration follows rapidly deteriorating wildfire conditions across Utah. According to the executive order, 94% of the state is experiencing severe or extreme drought.
Since the beginning of the fire season, 354 wildfires have burned 57 357 ha (141 743 acres), with at least 75% of the fires attributed to human activity. State officials said the temporary restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of additional human-caused ignitions during the Independence Day holiday period.
The Cottonwood Fire, which started on June 22 in Beaver County, had burned approximately 29 000 ha (71 841 acres) by June 26 and remained 0% contained, according to fire officials. The fire has damaged facilities at Eagle Point Resort, prompted evacuations, and continued to spread under hot, dry, and windy conditions.
The U.S. Forest Service issued Closure Order No. 0408-26-03 for portions of the Fishlake National Forest affected by the fire. The order closes designated roads, trails, and recreation areas until at least December 31, unless rescinded earlier, to protect public safety and support suppression operations.
The North Creek area was put under a ready-to-evacuate order on the morning of June 26. “Gather medications, documents, and a go-kit. Ready your family, pets, and vehicle to leave quickly. Monitor your phone, local TV, and radio for updates. If you feel unsafe, you can leave at any time,” Beaver County Emergency Management said.
The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City issued the first Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning since the designation was formally adopted by the agency.
Forecasts called for critically low relative humidity and wind gusts approaching 80 km/h (50 mph), creating conditions favorable for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior, while Red Flag Warnings remained in effect across large portions of the state.
The Iron Fire burning southwest of Salt Lake City near Eureka had burned approximately 16 300 ha (40 300 acres) and reached about 26% containment after prompting evacuations. Authorities later allowed residents to return as suppression operations progressed.
Red Flag Warnings are also in effect across parts of southeastern California, southern Nevada, and northwestern Arizona.
Rocky Mountain Power warned customers in portions of central, southern, and eastern Utah that Public Safety Power Shutoff measures could be implemented if weather conditions threaten the electrical infrastructure.
Firefighters continued suppression efforts on both major Utah wildfires as forecasts called for continued hot, dry, and windy conditions capable of supporting rapid fire spread. Officials urged residents to comply with fireworks restrictions and monitor updates from local authorities as dangerous fire weather persists.
References:
1 Gov. Cox announces temporary statewide fireworks restrictions amid historic wildfire conditions – Utah.gov – June 25, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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