how did the cottonwood fire start

The Cottonwood Fire was reported as human-caused , but officials had not yet released the exact ignition source in the reporting I found. One report said crews were sent to a vegetation fire near Cottonwood Campground and that the specific cause was still under investigation.

What’s confirmed

• It started on June 22, 2026, in Beaver County, Utah.

• Fire officials have said it was not naturally caused and was of human origin.

• The exact trigger has not been publicly identified in the sources I found.

Why it spread so fast

• Hot, dry weather and gusty winds helped the fire grow rapidly.

• By June 26–27, reports placed it around 92,254 acres and 0% contained.

Bottom line

So the best public answer right now is: it was human-caused, but the exact starting cause hasn’t been disclosed yet.