Cottonwood Fire swells to over 92,000 acres as Utah wrangles wind-driven blaze

The Cottonwood Fire in Piute County has grown to about 92,000 acres (92,254 reported) with 0% containment as crews build lines amid afternoon winds that fuel extreme fire behavior, even as a drone deployed for infrared mapping aids reconnaissance and protection efforts for communities like Marysvale and Beaver. Unhealthy smoke is affecting local businesses, prompting shelter operations by the Red Cross in Beaver. Statewide, Utah has experienced more than 217,000 acres burned in 2026, making it the busiest wildfire year since 2020, with other fires (Iron, Cherry) adding to the activity and containment challenges.