BEAVER, Utah, July 5, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Cottonwood Fire, near Beaver, stands at 94,768 acres and 42 % contained, as of Sunday evening, according to the U.S. Forest Service – Fishlake National Forest.
The fire started on June 22, and its cause remains under investigation.
“Yesterday, crews continued working from Cork Ridge south toward Rattlesnake Peak,” the update says. “Aerial support including helicopters and multi-engine scoopers were critical to crews fighting the fire around Cork Ridge and in the Beaver Watershed. Crews engaged in direct firefighting tactics near Rattlesnake Mountain.”
On Sunday, crews planned to engaging in direct firefighting around FS 575 Road.
“Firefighters will continue to construct dozer line near LeBaron. Once complete, firefighters will install hose lays along the constructed fireline. Firefighters will be working from the bottom of Rattlesnake Peak up towards the ridgeline and construct fireline heading south. Crews continue to improve fireline near Birch Creek.
“Aviation is actively supporting firefighters engaged in direct firefighting.”
A Fire and Fuels Advisory was issued for the state of Utah due to low fuel moistures and the potential for extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth.
“Humidities remain critical, but increased cloud cover will assist firefighters by reducing direct solar heating. Storm systems are slowly building in the area and may bring lightning and strong winds tomorrow.”
“Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.”
Evacuations and Closures: Fishlake National Forest closures are in effect; see the Fishlake National Forest’s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USFSFishlakeNF for details.
For current evacuation information see https://www.facebook.com/PiuteCountySO for Piute County and https://www.facebook.com/bcsoutah for Beaver County. State Highway 153 is CLOSED in both directions.
Source: U.S. Forest Service
