Utah, feds launch $18M recovery effort in Beaver area; Widemouth 2 Fire grows

KANOSH, Millard County — As federal firefighters continue to battle a massive blaze in central Utah, state and federal officials have reached an $18 million agreement to begin the recovery from another massive fire that burned in the same national forest.

The U.S. Forest Service on Thursday announced it is committing $9.2 million to recovery efforts following the Cottonwood Fire, which burned over 97,400 acres in and around Fishlake National Forest east of Beaver earlier this summer.

Utah plans to match those funds, which will be used to begin repairs to homes, farms, roads and infrastructure damaged by both the fire and subsequent flash flooding.

The fire destroyed 150 structures, while the monsoon-fueled flooding of its burn scar affected approximately 200 homes in Beaver. A larger section of state Route 153 remains closed after being washed out by the flooding, while Eagle Point Resort announced this week that it will not open this winter.

"The Cottonwood Fire and subsequent monsoon flooding have deeply disrupted the communities who call these forests home," said Tom Schultz, chief of the federal agency, who traveled to Utah to make the announcement. "Today's investment helps us respond quickly and with care, reducing further harm, repairing critical infrastructure and restoring access to the places people rely on for their livelihoods, traditions, and well-being."

Schultz and Gov. Spencer Cox toured the damage in Beaver Thursday morning before they were scheduled to meet with Millard County leaders and wildland fire leadership overseeing firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire burning less than 50 miles north of the Cottonwood Fire in Fishlake National Forest.

The Widemouth 2 Fire has now burned more than 97,000 acres, but less threatening weather conditions earlier this week and previous fires have helped firefighters gain 10% containment on the blaze, the U.S. Forest Service reported on Thursday.

"Crews are attempting to tie into the 2026 Wild Goose Fire boundary. Working around to the northeast, the 2022 Halfway Hill burn scar has slowed fire progression, providing a buffer for crews to work," the agency wrote.

Six structures have now been destroyed, two more than reported on Wednesday, officials added. Nearly 550 personnel are currently assigned to the lightning-caused fire.

A press conference about the fire is slated for 12:15 p.m., which KSL will stream live here.

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