- The raging Cottonwood Fire near Beaver has been called one of the “most destructive” in Utah history, and for the first time Monday, fire officials gave an estimate of just how much damage has been done.
Danon Hulet, southwest area manager with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, told Beaver residents gathered at a community meeting that at least 150 structures have been destroyed by the blaze.
That number is preliminary, he noted, as the 93,000-acre wildfire continued to burn at 4% containment as of early Tuesday. A containment figure marks the percentage of a fire’s perimeter where crews feel confident flames won’t cross.
Fire crews haven’t been able to conduct a full assessment as hot spots continue to spur and fallen trees and power lines have left some areas inaccessible.
“That number will be fluctuating over the next couple of days as we continue assessments,” Hulet added.
The broad figure includes cabins, homes and RVs, as well as smaller structures, such as sheds and outhouses. Condos in the region that have multiple owners but are connected as one building, Hulet said, are currently being counted as one structure.
Eagle Point Resort, the family ski and snowboard area nestled in the Tushar Mountains, has also separately reported extensive damage to its lifts and lodge.
A massive wildfire that broke out on Monday is spreading rapidly due to strong winds and has caused evacuations as authorities struggle to contain the blaze.
The Aspen Acres Fire, which broke out in Colorado, has already scorched more than 28,000 acres, and is expected to grow as weather conditions remain conducive for extreme fire growth.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said there is no air support at this time due to the high winds affecting the area.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for multiple towns in the area, including Beulah, Rye and San Isabel. Officials have a list of evacuation zones, which continues to be updated on their website.
Several fire
