The Cottonwood Fire, which sparked Monday, has spread into Eagle Point Resort, destroying several cabins and structures. Photo: Eagle Point Resort

BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A fast-moving wildfire in central Utah has exploded in size after being first reported Monday afternoon, prompting evacuations in Beaver County and raising concerns for nearby recreation areas, including the Eagle Point ski area.

The Cottonwood Fire, which ignited near Cottonwood Campground off State Route 153 in the Fishlake National Forest, has burned tens of thousands of acres and remains 0% contained, according to fire officials.

Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple communities east of Beaver, including Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, Hi-Lo Estates, Arrowhead Summer Homes, and surrounding areas, with officials warning residents to leave immediately as conditions rapidly change.

Eagle Point and ski-area impacts

For skiers watching wildfire activity burn through mountain terrain, the Cottonwood Fire has drawn particular attention due to its proximity to the Eagle Point ski area in the Tushar Mountains.

Eagle Point is located within the evacuation zone identified by Beaver County emergency officials, placing cabins, summer homes, and resort infrastructure under threat as fire behavior remains active and unpredictable. While there is no official count of structural losses as of publication, officials say assessments are ongoing as crews work to protect buildings and critical infrastructure.

One video posted online shows Ring camera footage of the fire engulfing a cabin in the area.

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The ski area sits in rugged terrain, where steep slopes and limited access can complicate firefighting efforts.

Rapid growth and challenging conditions

Fire officials report the blaze has grown rapidly amid hot, dry and windy conditions across southern and central Utah, part of a broader statewide wildfire surge that has already burned more than 45,000 acres across multiple incidents this season.

Smoke from the Cottonwood Fire has been visible from major highways, and portions of SR-153 remain closed as crews coordinate ground and air suppression efforts.

Air resources have been heavily engaged, with tankers and helicopters dropping retardant and water in steep canyon terrain as firefighters attempt to slow the fire’s spread and establish containment lines.

Communities on alert

In addition to mandatory evacuations, additional nearby communities have been placed in “ready” or “set” status as officials warn that shifting winds could push the fire in new directions.

Piute County residents have also been advised to prepare for potential evacuation orders as the fire continues to expand beyond Beaver County lines.

Part of a larger Utah wildfire season

The Cottonwood Fire is one of several large active wildfires burning across Utah this week, underscoring what fire officials describe as an especially volatile early summer fire season driven by drought conditions, low snowpack, and extreme heat.

Officials say the cause of the Cottonwood Fire remains under investigation, but early assessments indicate it is human-caused.

As crews continue suppression efforts, officials are urging the public to avoid the area, comply with closures, and stay clear of firefighting aircraft operating in the region.

Updates are expected as containment efforts continue and damage assessments begin.