Overview
- The fire, which ignited Monday afternoon in Fishlake National Forest, surged overnight and was reported between more than 24,000 acres and over 31,000 acres by Tuesday night while remaining 0% contained.
- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, HiLo Estates, Arrowhead Summer Homes and nearby areas and State Route 153 is closed to keep roads clear for emergency access.
- Officials have opened an origin investigation and local briefings describe the blaze as likely human caused though a final determination has not been announced.
- Fire managers say drought, single‑digit humidity and gusts up to about 50 mph under red‑flag warnings are driving extreme behavior and crews worked overnight to protect structures and strengthen defensive lines.
- The Cottonwood Fire is one of roughly 340 active blazes in Utah this week, a result of an unusually dry winter that is straining crews and raising the risk of more large fires and worsening air quality.