Beaver, Utah — Utah’s wildfire season began in earnest this past weekend, with major fires developing across the state, including near Salt Lake City and Provo. For the state’s ski industry, the biggest concern right now is for Eagle Point Resort.
Yesterday, the Cottonwood Fire began in Beaver, Utah. Since then, it has grown rapidly. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the human-generated wildfire has impacted 24,100 acres.
Unfortunately, the wildfire’s perimeter is near the terrain of Eagle Point Resort. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for the ski resort and nearby communities, and power has been shut off as a precaution. As of late Tuesday afternoon, map imagery shows the fire reaching the ski resort’s boundary. It’s unclear whether terrain and buildings have been damaged.
We reached out to Eagle Point Resort regarding their status. Here was their response:
“Eagle Point Resort has temporarily suspended operations due to the ongoing Cottonwood Fire and mandatory evacuation orders affecting the area.
The Cottonwood Fire was first reported at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 22 near Mile Marker 5 on State Route 153. Fueled by strong winds, the fire rapidly advanced up the canyon, impacting areas including Merchant Valley and surrounding communities. According to Utah fire officials, the fire grew to approximately 10,000 acres by 10:45 p.m. Monday evening.
Due to the active fire threat, all roads leading toward the fire zone have been closed, including State Route 153. SR-153 is currently closed in both directions between Mile Markers 2 and 25. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents and visitors in Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, HiLo Estates, Arrowhead Summer Homes, and surrounding areas.
The safety of our guests, homeowners, employees, and community remains our highest priority. Eagle Point Resort has fully complied with evacuation orders and is working closely with emergency management officials and responding agencies as the situation continues to evolve..
Rocky Mountain Power has de-energized all power lines in the area in an effort to mitigate the fire’s spread. In addition, Beaver City has announced that the public is prohibited from using the pressurized irrigation system until further notice, as firefighting crews are utilizing water from the pressurized irrigation pond to support suppression efforts.
On behalf of Eagle Point Resort, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, wildland fire crews, Fishlake National Forest personnel, emergency responders, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect our communities and natural resources during this challenging time.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and bravery of the men and women on the front lines of this emergency. Their efforts are making a tremendous difference, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fire,’ said Shane Gadbaw, owner of Eagle Point Resort.
Guests with upcoming lodging reservations are encouraged to contact the resort regarding rescheduling or cancellation options. For assistance, please email info@skieaglepoint.com.
Eagle Point Resort will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available.”
Let’s hope and pray that Eagle Point, along with the surrounding communities, are spared from the Cottonwood Fire.
Image/Video Credits: U.S. Forest Service – Fishlake National Forest, Utah Daily Snow, Eagle Point Resort
