The Cottonwood Fire, located within the Fishlake National Forest near Beaver, Utah, continues to present challenges as crews manage recent reignition in North Creek. According to a daily update from June 29, 2026, rolling burning debris caused the fire to reignite in the bottom of North Creek, creating a large smoke column.
The fire has reached an estimated size of 93,91മുണ്ട8 acres with 0% containment reported as of the latest statistics provided. A Fire and Fuels Advisory remains in effect for the state of Utah because of low fuel moisture levels and the potential for rapid fire growth.
Firefighting efforts have focused on line construction and containment. Crews worked on Thompson Ridge to improve the line along the southern flank toward South Creek, while firefighters on Black Ridge improved lines heading toward Cork Ridge.
Night shift crews recently completed the lower dozer line and improved the line from Silver King toward Marysvale. For current operations, repel crews are being flown to Baldwin Ridge to work on line construction toward North Creek. Firefighters are also engaging in direct firefighting tactics from Oak Springs to Belly Ache Creek, with helicopters supporting ground crews and working areas that are inaccessible to personnel.
Weather conditions are expected to influence fire behavior. While colder temperatures and higher humidity recently moderated some parts of the fire, a drier southwest flow is returning to the area. Wind gusts are expected to remain just under 20 mph this afternoon, with temperatures in the high 70s and humidity levels between 20% and 23%. Officials expect increasing fire activity over the next several days.
Closures and evacuations are currently in place. State Highway 153 is closed in both directions, and Fishlake National Forest closures are in effect. An evacuation center has been established at the National Guard Armory located at 120 S Main St, Beaver, UT.
A community meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m. at Beaver High School to provide an overview of the fire and answer resident questions. For those unable to attend, a live feed is available via the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page.
