SALT LAKE CITY—Extreme heat, persistent drought and strong winds continued to fuel major wildfires across Utah on Wednesday, stretching firefighting resources as authorities maintained emergency measures ahead of the Independence Day holiday.
The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah remained the state's largest blaze and among the biggest active wildfires in the United States, after expanding rapidly over recent days under hot, dry conditions. Fire officials said the fire continued to burn through rugged terrain in and around Fishlake National Forest, with containment remaining limited as crews confronted gusty winds, low humidity and critically dry vegetation.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency and authorized temporary restrictions on fireworks through the July Fourth period, citing what state officials described as unprecedented wildfire conditions. The emergency order gives local governments broader authority to prohibit fireworks where fire danger is considered severe.
The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has reported hundreds of wildfires during the 2026 season, with officials attributing many of them to human activity. State officials have warned that an exceptionally dry winter, record-low snowpack and prolonged heat have left vegetation highly susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread.
Fire managers said extreme weather continued to hamper suppression efforts. Strong winds have periodically grounded helicopters and air tankers, forcing firefighters to rely primarily on ground operations in difficult terrain. Officials said single-digit humidity and dry fuels have contributed to extreme fire behavior.
The wildfire outbreak has also placed additional strain on emergency personnel following the deaths of three firefighters while responding to separate fires near the Utah-Colorado border in recent days, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Officials said the fatalities underscored the hazardous conditions confronting crews across the region.
The National Weather Service has issued rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red flag warnings for parts of Utah, warning that high temperatures, powerful winds and very low humidity could support rapid fire growth and new ignitions. Forecasters said conditions were expected to remain favorable for dangerous wildfire activity despite the possibility of modest weather improvements later in the week.
State and local officials continued urging residents to follow evacuation orders where issued, comply with fireworks restrictions and avoid activities that could ignite new fires as emergency crews remained deployed across multiple incidents.
