JUNCTION, Utah — With flames from the Cottonwood Fire now visible on the Piute County side, and smoke filling the valley below, residents gathered Friday to go over emergency plans in case the situation gets worse and evacuations are ordered.
The meeting at Piute High School in Junction began somberly, with an emotional apology from one of the first responders who was on scene Monday.
"We did everything we absolutely could. We called for every bit of help we could find. And about all we could do was get people out of the way of it," said Nick Schenk with Great Basin Team 5.
But the dozens of people in attendance knew those responders were facing an uphill battle fighting the now historic Cottonwood Fire.
“Lots of anxiety, lots of worry, lots of stress," said resident Laramie Leavitt of what this week has been like.
Leavitt is one of the lucky ones, as he went to check on his family’s cabin early Friday and was amazed that anything survived.
“From what I’ve seen, I think [firefighters] are working hard and I’m pretty happy with that," he said. "Mother Nature is going to do what she’s gonna do.”
Utah officials urge caution for holiday campers who want to celebrate this summer:
Like others, Leavitt realizes it’s not over yet.
“Friends and neighbors have come together. This is a great community. This is my home, this is your home, and by God we’re gonna defend it!” said Piute County Attorney Scott Burns.
Unfortunately, for everyone involved, things may get worse before they get better as the high, unpredictable winds are expected to kick up again throughout Saturday. It means it will be very difficult for crews on the ground and the planes and helicopters overhead to resume attacking the fire in earnest.
