Cottonwood Fire Information
Beaver County, Utah
A FLOOD WATCH remains in effect for Beaver County. For the most current information, visit the Beaver City Facebook page.
UPDATE August 11, 2026: The U.S. Forest Service has committed $9.2 million, with the State of Utah matching that investment dollar for dollar, to help the Beaver area recover from the Cottonwood Fire and subsequent flooding. This $18 million recovery fund will not provide direct financial assistance to individual residents or businesses, including private homes, private land, or Eagle Point Resort. Combined with other recovery resources, the funding will help stabilize burned hillsides, restore the watershed, repair damaged roads and infrastructure, and reduce future flooding and debris flows.
Since late June 2026, the Cottonwood Fire has affected communities, recreation areas, and public lands in Utah’s Beaver and Piute counties. This page provides the resources, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional information for residents and visitors. For current fire updates and official announcements, follow the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page and local emergency officials.
A Message of Gratitude
We are profoundly grateful to the firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel who have answered the call to protect Beaver County and Piute County. Your dedication and expertise have made an immeasurable difference to our communities.
Support Our Local Businesses
One of the best ways to support Beaver County is by supporting our local businesses. Whether you’re dining, shopping, booking lodging, or enjoying local attractions, every purchase helps sustain the local economy.
Through September 30, The Creamery is donating $1 for each purchase of their Fiery Cheese Curd bags to the Beaver City Fire Department to support their efforts in fighting Utah wildfires.
Give to the Cottonwood Fire Relief Fund
If you’re able, please contribute to the BIG (Beaver, Iron, and Garfield counties) Chamber of Commerce GoFundMe page. All funds collected through this campaign will be managed by the BIG Chamber of Commerce and distributed directly to the local individuals, families, and businesses in our region who the Cottonwood Fire has severely impacted.
Cottonwood Fire FAQs
- Where can I find the most up-to-date information on the Cottonwood Fire?
For the latest updates, visit the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page. - Is there heavy smoke?
Refer to this fire and smoke map for the most recent details. - Is Eagle Point Resort Gone?
No. While Eagle Point Resort sustained damage during the Cottonwood Fire, it was not destroyed and is closed until further notice.Approximately 300 of the resort’s 600 acres of ski terrain have been impacted. Four of the five chair lifts sustained damage, and five snowmobiles, three vehicles, and three storage containers are gone. Canyonside Lodge, 100+ condos, and 30 cabins have also been lost, along with the Warming Station on Tushar Ridge.The resort’s Skyline Lodge, Monarch lift and surrounding terrain, Aspen Crest subdivision, snowmaking pond and equipment, and cell phone and internet towers have all survived the fire or sustained minimal damage.
- What Beaver County properties have been damaged or destroyed?
While this is a fluid situation, it is believed the fire has destroyed more than half of the buildings in Beaver Canyon. Additionally, over 60 utility structures, including poles, transformers, and a substation, were damaged. - Can I access the Tushar Mountains?
At this time, you can only access this area with a police or forest service escort. - Has any wildlife been impacted?
Little information has been released about the Cottonwood Fire’s impact on wildlife. Large animals such as elk and deer typically move away from active wildfires, while the fire’s most documented animal losses have been to livestock. The fire also burned thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Fishlake National Forest, and biologists will likely continue to evaluate long-term habitat changes as the area recovers. - Will there be hunting this fall?
Per the Utah Division of Wildlife (UDW), it’s too early to tell. We anticipate hunting to be open, but the situation is fluid. You may be able to hand your tag over for a point and save it for next year. Check the UDW website for updated guidance as it becomes available. - When will the Tushar Mountains reopen to the public?
There is currently no estimated reopening date. Keep an eye on the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page for updates. - Will there be flooding?
Due to post-fire runoff, we expect the Beaver River to overflow and cause flooding. Additionally, there is potential for monsoon flooding, but it could be suppressed and potentially delayed by a developing El Niño. Consult this article for educational purposes on monsoons in Utah. - What are some post-wildfire dangers to keep in mind once the Tushar Mountains open to the public?
Once recreation resumes, it is important to check the Fishlake National Forest website for guidelines and safety measures before you visit, and to strictly adhere to the rules set forth for the area post-fire. If that site is not updated, look to other official sources. The mountains will take many years to recover, so manage expectations while remaining alert to potential dangers, such as unstable terrain, rolling debris, and falling trees. Learn more about post-wildlife hazards. - How is Piute County Affected?
The Cottonwood Fire has affected portions of Piute County. For ongoing updates about the fire and its impacts in Piute County, visit the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page. - Is the Paiute ATV Trail open?
Sections of the Paiute Trail are closed until further notice, including the portions that go through the Tushar Mountains. - Are any upcoming events canceled?
Crusher in the Tushar has been canceled, with no indication of rescheduling per their website. Toughest Last Man Standing Utah has not announced whether the October 10 event will take place. - What happens next?
The forest rebuilds. The mountains replenish. The community grows stronger. Thick underbrush and dead organic material are cleared away, allowing healthy parts of the ecosystem to thrive. Nutrients are released from the burned material, increasing soil fertility. The aspens grow back, allowing pines to grow. Wildflowers and other types of flowers bloom and germinate with vigor. The fire will give way to life, bringing hope along with it.
Please refer to inciweb.wildfire.gov for detailed information about the Cottonwood Fire and what’s to come.
Below is a list of sites that can provide additional guidance on fire safety and preparation: