safety
Winds hamper crews as fast-moving fire in Utah, the largest in the US, burns through forests
By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 27, 2026
· 5 min read
The largest wildfire in the United States marched through canyons and over mountainsides Saturday, blackening an already parched landscape in Utah as residents on the flanks of the blaze watched smoke billowing when the winds picked up.The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest U...
Key takeaway The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest Utah, severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and destroyed summer cabins in sparsely populated Beaver County.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents watching the wildfires in Utah may be concerned about the potential for similar disasters in their own area. While Bexar County is not currently experiencing the same hot and dry conditions as Utah, the region is no stranger to wildfires. In recent years, San Antonio has seen an increase in wildfires during periods of drought, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. The city's fire department and emergency management officials should take note of the challenges faced by firefighters in Utah, particularly the impact of windy conditions on aerial support. As San Antonio enters its own wildfire season, it is crucial that residents and visitors alike are aware of the risks and take necessary precautions, such as adhering to burn bans and being mindful of spark-causing activities. By learning from the experiences of other regions, San Antonio can better prepare for and respond to potential wildfires.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The largest wildfire in the United States marched through canyons and over mountainsides Saturday, blackening an already parched landscape in Utah as residents on the flanks of the blaze watched smoke billowing when the winds picked up.The Cottonwood Fire, burning in rugged terrain in southwest U...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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