Utah wildfire season shatters five-year acreage record
PUBLISHED Jul 7, 2026, 4:20 PM ET
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Utah’s 2026 wildfire season has already surpassed the total acreage burned in the previous five years combined, state officials reported as of July 6. Wildfires have consumed 357,173 acres statewide, exceeding the 355,944 acres that burned from 2021 through 2025. The Cottonwood Fire, which started on June 22 near Cottonwood Campground in the Fishlake National Forest east of Beaver, has charred 95,807 acres and is 47% contained. At least 150 structures are confirmed destroyed. The fire has severely damaged local ranching operations and prompted ongoing Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders for multiple mountain cabin communities and the Eagle Point Ski Resort area.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2021–2025 Utah records 355,944 wildfire acres burned
- Jun 22, 2026 Cottonwood Fire ignites near campground
- Late June 2026 Fire spreads across Beaver Mountain grazing
- Early July 2026 Crews report unprecedented daily fire growth
- Early July 2026 Ranchers confirm substantial cattle losses
- Early July 2026 Cottonwood Fire destroys over 150 structures
- Jul 6, 2026 Statewide burned acreage surpasses five-year total
- Jul 6, 2026 Level 3 evacuations remain in effect
News Intelligence
- Wildfires like Utah's pose serious safety risks. They can destroy homes, disrupt local businesses, and harm livestock. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, it's crucial to have an evacuation plan. Check your insurance policy for wildfire coverage.
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