Utah Wildfires Set Record for Woodland Area Loss, University of Utah Researchers Report
Utah has experienced a record-breaking year for wildfires, with over 474,000 acres burned so far in 2026, according to researchers from the University of Utah. This year has seen a significant increase in the burning of woodland and forested areas, surpassing previous records. The Cottonwood and Babylon fires alone have burned over 204,000 acres in southern Utah. The surge in wildfires is attributed to the state's worst snowpack on record and severe drought conditions. Researchers highlight that this trend of increasing wildfires in Utah's forests and woodlands is concerning and unprecedented. 
