Wildfires rage across the Southwest as officials warn of ‘extremely critical’ conditions

WildfiresWildfires rage across the Southwest as officials warn of ‘extremely critical’ conditionsLow humidity and high winds have fueled the largest fire in the region, the Cottonwood Fire in Utah. The state has restricted firework displays over the holidays.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00A firefighting helicopter flies over the mountain landscape near Piute Reservoir while responding to the fast-moving Cottonwood Fire on June 25.Charles McClintock Wilson / Zuma Press Wire via Reuters ConnectShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 27, 2026, 1:55 PM EDTBy Aria BendixDangerous fire conditions in the Southwest are threatening to worsen blazes in Utah, Nevada and New Mexico, putting many communities on high alert this weekend.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The National Weather Service warned Saturday that gusty winds and dry air have created an “extremely critical risk” of fire weather — the agency’s highest threat level — across the Great Basin and Four Corners regions. Dry thunderstorms have brought the additional danger of frequent lightning, which can ignite fires, while parched vegetation helps flames spread and makes containment far more difficult. The Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County, Utah, now stretches more than 92,000 acres and remains zero percent contained after five days. Low humidity and high winds accelerated its spread on Friday. Conditions are expected to ease somewhat Saturday, but the fire will likely continue growing as temperatures and winds climb in the afternoon. Air quality in the Marysvale area is expected to reach unhealthy levels by the afternoon and evening. Sensitive groups — including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with heart or lung disease — should avoid outdoor physical activity.Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson for the fire’s emergency management team, said there is no estimate yet for when the fire will be contained. Vegetation in the a...