People displaced by the wildfire can go to the National Guard’s Beaver Armory. As dangerous fire weather threatens additional communities, Red Cross teams are prepared to open more shelters.
By Keith Paul, American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Utah opened an emergency shelter today at the Utah National Guard’s Beaver Armory as the fast-moving Cottonwood Fire threatens additional communities after destroying at least 12 occupied homes this week.
With forecasters warning that strong winds, critically low humidity and dry vegetation could cause the Cottonwood Fire to spread rapidly, the Red Cross is prepared to open shelters in Panguitch and Monroe if additional evacuations are ordered. A shelter will open in Panguitch if Junction or Circleville are evacuated, and in Monroe if Marysvale is evacuated.
“Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable, and the Cottonwood Fire is a serious threat to communities in its path,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “A wildfire can move faster than a person can run and can jump roads, rivers and fire lines. If officials tell you to evacuate, leave immediately. Your safety comes first.”
People displaced by the Cottonwood Fire can go to the shelter located at the Utah National Guard’s Beaver Armory, 120 S. Main St., Beaver. To find open Red Cross shelters, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Cottonwood Fire Continues to Threaten Communities
The Cottonwood Fire has burned more than 70,000 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire has destroyed numerous cabins, condominiums and other structures near Eagle Point Resort and in the Tushar Mountains, as well as at least 12 occupied homes.
Fire danger remains high heading into the weekend, with Red Flag conditions expected to bring strong winds, very low humidity and dry vegetation that can fuel rapid fire growth and increase the risk of additional evacuations.
Other Wildfires Across Utah
The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter in Elberta earlier this week to support residents evacuated because of the Iron Fire near Eureka. That shelter closed Thursday after evacuated Eureka residents were allowed to return home. Shelter supplies remain in place in Elberta so the Red Cross can reopen the shelter quickly if conditions change.
The Hastings Fire in Tooele County and several other wildfires continue to burn across Utah as firefighters contend with hot, dry and windy conditions. The Red Cross continues to work closely with emergency managers, first responders and elected officials to assess community needs and is prepared to open additional shelters if evacuations are ordered.
Prepare Before Evacuations Are Ordered
The Red Cross encourages residents in areas at higher wildfire risk to prepare now:
- Know where to go if an evacuation is ordered and identify more than one route out of the area. • Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor updates from fire officials, law enforcement and emergency management agencies.
- Keep a go-kit ready with water, medications, important documents, phone chargers, clothing, cash, hygiene items and supplies for children, older adults, pets and people with medical needs.
- Move flammable items away from homes, including outdoor furniture, firewood, dry leaves and anything stored near decks, fences or garages.
- Keep vehicles fueled or charged and parked facing out.
- Never drive around road closures or return to an evacuated area until officials say it is safe.
Stay Informed
The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, shelter information and preparedness guidance. The Red Cross First Aid app includes step-by-step instructions for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.
More wildfire safety information is available at redcross.org/wildfire.