The Cottonwood Fire continues to impact the Fishlake National Forest, leaving more than 97,000 acres burned and forcing the continued closure of State Route 153 due to a combination of wildfire damage and flooding. While the U.S. Forest Service has issued long-term closure orders for several roads and trails in the Beaver Ranger District to protect public safety, the Utah Department of Transportation is working to restore limited access for property owners as it prepares for a major reconstruction project scheduled for 2027.
### Firefighting and Containment Efforts
As of Aug. 27, 2026, the Cottonwood Fire has reached a size of 97,458 acres and is 90% contained, according to InciWeb. The fire, which began on June 22, 2026, remains under investigation regarding its cause. Firefighters have been engaged in direct extinguishment tactics near Highway 153, pushing toward Lion Flat and working within timber stringers to prevent reburn potential.
Crews have also worked to strengthen lines in the South Creek area and around Circleville on the east side of the fire. During the night, firefighting teams worked to establish a dozer line along Cork Ridge. Additionally, crews have been focused on reducing continuous fuels in Oak Springs Canyon to mitigate the threat of group torching, and prepping Dock Springs Road by removing vegetation and dead trees.
To improve the fireline, firefighters are working to connect Dock Springs Road to the Thompson Ridge fire scar near the Birch Creek Campground. Meanwhile, a Structure Group is performing snagging operations and mop-up activities. Despite recent red flag warnings, fire activity has remained moderated due to humidity levels, though a Fire and Fuels Advisory remains in effect for the state of Utah due to low fuel moisture and the potential for extreme fire behavior.
### State Route 153 Damage and Repairs
State Route 153 in the Beaver Canyon Corridor remains closed in both directions. The Utah Department of Transportation is managing emergency repairs on approximately 17 miles of the highway in response to significant damage caused by both wildfires and flooding. Several sections of the roadway have been severely damaged, with portions of the road washed away or significantly undermined by runoff from the Beaver Mountain Fire burn scar.
UDOT has established closures with gates at approximately Milepost 3 and Milepost 14.5 to restrict access to the affected area. This closure is necessary because conditions in the canyon remain hazardous due to unstable roadway, ongoing runoff, damaged infrastructure, and active fire-related hazards. Additionally, construction activities and heavy equipment are operating within the project area.
While the highway is closed to the general public, UDOT is focused on restoring limited, temporary access for property owners and other necessary users. This limited access is expected to be discontinued once winter conditions make continued access unsafe or impractical, as UDOT cannot maintain access through the winter.
### Long-Term Reconstruction Plans
Following the immediate priority of restoring limited access, UDOT will shift focus to a permanent solution for State Route 153. Major reconstruction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027. This project will include roadway reconstruction and resilient engineering measures specifically designed to address damage from flooding and reduce the risk of future post-fire impacts.
To fund these efforts, the Utah Transportation Commission approved an additional $50 million in initial funding for the project during its Aug. 14 meeting. This follows an initial $350,000 in emergency funding that UDOT initiated in July. A project contractor team was selected on Aug. 12 following a Progressive Design-Build solicitation.
### Forest Service Road and Trail Closures
In an order issued Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service announced that several roads and trails within the Beaver Ranger District of the Fishlake National Forest will remain closed through Oct. 31, 2026. The purpose of Order #0408-26-17 is to protect public health and safety during ongoing road repair and stabilization following the Cottonwood Fire.
The closure order prohibits being on the following forest roads: 1081, 131, 1079, 0126, 755, 756, 077, 136, 123, 078, 080, and 124. Additionally, Forest Trail PST 05C is prohibited. Violators of this order face potential penalties, including a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months.
Exemptions to the order include persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 and any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force performing official duties.
### Community Impact and Safety
Smoke from the Cottonwood Fire is expected to impact locations surrounding the fire, including Marysvale, Junction, Circleville, and Beaver. Residents are advised to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. For current evacuation information, residents should monitor Piute County or Beaver County emergency services.
An evacuation center has been established at the National Guard Armory at 120 S Main St. in Beaver, Utah. Local agency representatives and the Great Basin Team 5 have previously scheduled community meetings to provide residents with fire overviews and answer questions.
