Massive Cottonwood Fire scorches 60,000 acres, damages ski resort as fire weather conditions continue
As of Thursday morning, the Cottonwood Fire burned 61,137 acres and was uncontained.
Smoke rises through Utah mountains amid massive Cottonwood Fire
The Cottonwood Fire started on Monday amid increasing fire weather conditions across Utah and the Four Corners. The fire has rapidly increased in size, burning more than 60,000 acres including a ski resort.
BEAVER, Utah– Utah is battling multiple wildfires amid increasingly dry fire weather conditions, including the Cottonwood Fire which has scorched more than 60,000 acres in a few days.
The Cottonwood Fire started on Monday in the Fishlake National Forest on Beaver Mountain.
Flames from the Cottonwood Fire burn atop a mountain in Fishlake National Forest. (U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook / FOX Weather)
The fire rapidly spread, prompting evacuations and road closures throughout the area in Fishlake National Forest, Piute County and Beaver County.
As of Thursday morning, the Cottonwood Fire burned 61,137 acres and was uncontained.
Thick smoke blocks the sky in between mountains in Utah's Beaver County on Tuesday, June 23. (U.S. Forest Service - Fishlake National Forest/Facebook / FOX Weather)
A ski destination, Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, was forced to close and evacuate due to fire risk.
On Wednesday afternoon, Eagle Point Resort owner Shane Gadbaw took to social media to express gratitude to firefighters and first responders battling the wildfire.
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Gadbaw said no one died in the fire to his knowledge, but the resort suffered significant property loss.
"Eagle Point will be closed for a considerable time to recover from the catastrophe," he said.
The social media posts extended thanks to the public for supporting the resort during the difficult time.
Fire officials have not determined what caused the Cottonwood Fire.
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In addition to the Cottonwood Fire, the Iron Fire is burning northwest of Eureka, Utah.
Iron Fire burns across Utah, scorching 30,000+ acres
The Iron Fire started on June 19 northwest of Eureka, Utah. Fire officials say the fire is 17% contained and has burned 37,172 acres of Thursday.
According to Utah Fire Info, the wildfire is 37,172 acres and 17% contained.
Its cause is under investigation.
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The FOX Forecast Center said both wildfires are blowing smoke north into Colorado throughout the day Thursday.
On Tuesday, satellites picked up smoke from the Cottonwood Fire blowing into Colorado.
Through the remainder of the week, relative humidity stays low, and wind gusts exceed 30 mph, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Fire Weather alerts cover most of Utah through the weekend.
Dry thunderstorms are possible across the Four Corners on Thursday, sparking the chance of new wildfire starts.
An increased chance of dry thunderstorms exists on Friday, where more lightning is expected with little-to-no rainfall.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on the wildfires and fire weather conditions.