Beaver Residents Can Ask Questions At Tuesday Nights Cottonwood Fire Meeting

Firefighters continue making steady progress on the Cottonwood Fire burning in the Fishlake National Forest near Beaver, with containment increasing to 47% as crews strengthen fire lines and extinguish remaining hot spots. The wildfire, which started June 22 and remains under investigation, has now burned 95,807 acres. A total of 1,289 personnel are assigned to the incident.

Fire crews spent Monday conducting mop-up operations in several areas, including Eagle Point, Oak Creek and the South Fork of North Creek. Firefighters also completed handline construction around the LeBaron Meadows area. Although fire activity remained visible until about 2 a.m., infrared flights helped identify isolated spot fires burning in remote timber areas.

Handline Construction Will Continue On Tuesday

On Tuesday, firefighters are continuing to construct handline that will connect with the Little Twist burn scar while mop-up efforts continue along Cork Ridge, the South Fork of North Creek, LeBaron and Anderson Meadows. Dozer crews are establishing additional fire line in Anderson Meadows before installing hose lines to support suppression efforts. Infrared flights and unmanned aircraft systems will again be used to locate heat sources inside the fire perimeter, while aircraft remain available to reach rugged terrain that is difficult for ground crews to access.

Courtesy U.S. Forest Service

Residents will have an opportunity to receive the latest information during a community meeting hosted by Great Basin Team 5 and local agency representatives at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Beaver High School. The meeting will include an overview of current firefighting efforts and provide an opportunity for questions. A live stream will also be available through the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page.

Read More: Wildlife Moving Into Utah Neighborhoods Due To Drought

Fire officials caution that weather conditions remain favorable for dangerous fire behavior. A Fire and Fuels Advisory remains in effect across Utah due to extremely dry vegetation. Forecasters warn that thunderstorms could produce dry lightning and powerful outflow winds exceeding 45 mph, creating the potential for rapid fire growth and quickly changing smoke conditions.

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Unhealthy morning air quality is expected in Beaver, with additional smoke possible from Richfield south to Junction along the Sevier River valley later in the day. Fishlake National Forest closures remain in effect, evacuation information is available through Beaver and Piute county officials, and State Highway 153 remains closed in both directions. Stage 2 fire restrictions also remain in effect across the area.