Cottonwood Peak Fire Rages Uncontained, Consuming Spring Mountains

The Cottonwood Peak Fire, a formidable blaze ignited by a lightning strike on Saturday, continues its relentless expansion through the rugged terrain of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Las Vegas, this inferno has seen explosive growth, consuming over 2,000 acres by Sunday night with absolutely no containment.

Fire officials confirm that the blaze, which started at an alarming 400 acres, has more than quadrupled in size, posing significant challenges to the hundreds of dedicated firefighters on the ground.

Over 200 personnel from various agencies are battling the conflagration, supported by a critical fleet of air tankers and helicopters, working tirelessly to establish firelines and suppress the flames in extremely difficult conditions.

The arduous fight is compounded by the area's treacherous landscape.

The fire is burning in steep, rocky, and often inaccessible terrain, making direct engagement incredibly dangerous and complex for ground crews. Compounding these physical obstacles are the harsh environmental factors: scorching temperatures, critically low humidity, and unpredictable, erratic winds that fuel the fire's rapid and erratic spread.

In response to the escalating threat, significant public access restrictions have been implemented to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting operations.

State Route 157, famously known as Kyle Canyon Road, has been closed to all uphill traffic at its junction with State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road). Consequently, the popular Lee Canyon Ski Resort, along with numerous trails and campgrounds scattered throughout the Spring Mountains, remain closed until further notice.

Residents across the Las Vegas Valley can witness the stark reality of the fire's intensity, with plumes of smoke prominently visible against the horizon.

Authorities caution that given the current conditions and the fire's persistent growth, the Cottonwood Peak Fire is anticipated to be a "long-duration event," requiring sustained and intensive efforts before it can be brought under control. The focus remains on protecting critical infrastructure and containing the blaze as safely and efficiently as possible.