The Fishlake National Forest has extended road and trail closures in the Beaver Ranger District through Oct. 31, 2026, to facilitate safety during repairs following the Cottonwood Fire. The order, which took effect Aug. 21, 2026, aims to protect the public during road repair and stabilization efforts in the area impacted by the blaze.
Restricted Access and Penalties
The Forest Service order, which includes Forest Roads 1081, 131, 1079, 0126, 755, 756, 077, 136, 123, 078, 080, and 124, as well as trail PST 05C, is intended to ensure public health and safety during stabilization work. The Forest Service stated that this order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting similar acts in the described area.
Highway Reconstruction Efforts
The Utah Department of Transportation is also conducting emergency reconstruction on approximately 17 miles of State Route 153 in Beaver Canyon. According to UDOT, the work is a response to significant damage caused by a combination of wildfires and flooding from runoff from the Beaver Mountain Fire burn scar.
Several sections of SR-153 have been severely damaged, with portions of the roadway washed away or significantly undermined. UDOT has closed the highway with gates at approximately Milepost 3 and Milepost 14.5 to restrict access to the affected area while construction crews and heavy equipment operate within the project zone.
Project Funding and Timeline
The Utah Transportation Commission approved an additional $50 million in initial funding for the SR-153 project at its Aug. 14, 2026, meeting. This follows an initial $350,000 in emergency funding that UDOT initiated in July 2026.
A contractor team was selected on Aug. 12, 2026, as part of a Progressive Design-Build solicitation. UDOT is currently working to establish safe, temporary unpaved access for property owners and other necessary users, though the highway will not reopen to general public traffic at this time.
Long-term Recovery Plans
Major reconstruction for SR-153 is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027. This long-term project will focus on developing a permanent solution, including roadway reconstruction and engineering measures designed to reduce the risk of future post-fire impacts.
While the current work focuses on immediate access, UDOT noted that it cannot maintain temporary access through the winter due to unsafe conditions. The current closure for the Beaver Ranger District is scheduled to remain in place until Oct. 31, 2026, unless rescinded earlier.
Background on Fire Closures
The Cottonwood Fire initially prompted widespread closures in the region. On Aug. 2, 2026, the Forest Service issued an order closing all roads and trails within the described area to protect public health and safety during the fire and post-fire suppression. This initial order is scheduled to remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2026.
