The Cottonwood Fire, the largest wildfire in the United States, has been burning through canyons and over mountainsides in Utah, blackening an already parched landscape. The fire has severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and destroyed summer cabins in sparsely populated Beaver County.

Firefighting Efforts

Gov. Spencer Cox has asked for prayers for firefighters and for much-needed rain. Hundreds of firefighters have been assigned to the blaze, and they have made several miraculous stops and saves. Despite strong winds, crews were able to take advantage of higher humidity levels on Saturday.

The fire has forced evacuations in several small communities southwest of Salt Lake City, including Eureka and the Vernon Reservoir area. Highways running through the area have been closed. Two wildfires in the area, the Iron and the Cherry, have covered a combined 112 square miles.

Impact on Local Residents

Residents on the flanks of the blaze have been watching smoke billow when the winds pick up. Bob Miller, a visitor from California, said that while the evenings have been smoky, he and his family have still been able to enjoy the area. Miller noted that fires are a common occurrence in the area and that they have learned to adapt.

The fire has also affected visitors to nearby national parks, including Bryce Canyon National Park. While the park remains open, visitors have been advised to come prepared and to download maps before arriving, as power shut-offs have been implemented in the area.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.