safety
Fast-moving fire in Utah, the largest in the US, spreads overnight, leading to more evacuations
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 27, 2026
· 5 min read
A fast-moving wildfire in Utah raced across the landscape overnight, fed by heat and dry wind and forcing more communities to evacuate, officials said Saturday.Air tankers and helicopters were grounded Friday as winds picked up on the Cottonwood Fire, the largest blaze currently burning in the U....
Key takeaway Gusts were clocked at 45 miles per hour (72 kph) and humidity levels were in the single digits, leaving crews with few options for slowing the flames, especially as they raced through the treetops.
Why this matters in The Waco
While the fast-moving wildfire in Utah may seem distant from Waco , the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wildfire preparedness in Texas. McLennan County has experienced its own share of wildfires in recent years, and the dry conditions that fueled the Cottonwood Fire in Utah are not uncommon in Texas. The fact that air tankers and helicopters were grounded due to strong winds in Utah highlights the challenges that firefighters can face in combating wildfires. In Waco, residents should be aware of the potential for wildfires, especially during periods of high wind and dry heat. The city's fire department and emergency management officials should take note of the tactics employed by Utah's firefighters and consider how they can be applied locally. Additionally, residents can take steps to prevent wildfires, such as properly disposing of cigarettes and following burn bans, to help mitigate the risk of a large-scale fire in the Waco area.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A fast-moving wildfire in Utah raced across the landscape overnight, fed by heat and dry wind and forcing more communities to evacuate, officials said Saturday.Air tankers and helicopters were grounded Friday as winds picked up on the Cottonwood Fire, the largest blaze currently burning in the U....
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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