Utah Governor Declares Emergency, Bans Fireworks Amid Expanding Cottonwood Fire
Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency and imposed a temporary statewide fireworks ban, KUTV reported, as the Cottonwood Fire surged across southern Utah. The ban, which was to stay in place through the Independence Day holiday, was intended to reduce ignition risk amid extreme wildfire conditions, according to the governor’s office. At the time, the fire had already scorched nearly 72,000 acres and forced evacuations in several communities, CBS noted. The National Weather Service later issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” red-flag warning, NBC said, citing gusty winds and severe drought that were feeding multiple large fires. Local officials were also authorized to designate limited safe launch zones for permitted fireworks, KUTV added.
Conditions worsened as the blaze expanded to more than 112 square miles, AP reported, driven by extreme heat, low humidity and high winds. The expanded footprint prompted the governor to reaffirm the fireworks restriction through the Independence Day holiday and to coordinate additional evacuation orders. NPR highlighted that the red-flag warning was historic for the region, noting the fire was the nation’s largest active blaze. Authorities continued to monitor the situation as the fire’s growth threatened further communities.
