BEAVER, Utah (KUTV) — As residents and business owners begin to assess the damage caused by the Cottonwood Fire, some are facing losses that extend beyond the property.
Lane Tucker, who lives and works in the Tushar Mountains, said the fire destroyed his family’s condo and five of the nine properties he manages.
“It was pretty scary to see how fast it had moved from where it was,” Tucker said. “The turnaround time was surprisingly fast.”
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Tucker also owns an adventure travel company that offers climbing, hiking, biking, and winter backpacking tours in the area. He said the fire has already forced cancellations.
“It’s been a little disheartening that we’re canceling all of these fun adventures that people had planned,” he said.
Eagle Point Ski Resort too suffered significant losses in the fire. Nearly half of the resort’s ski terrain burned, along with 100 condominiums and 30 cabins. Four of the resort’s five chairlifts were also damaged.
Tucker said the future of his business will largely depend on if and when the complex will be able to reopen.
“I would love for them to open this winter because we are also a full ski shop,” Tucker said. “So I have a whole rental fleet that would be pretty much unused if the resort doesn’t open.”
He said he is also concerned about how the fire will affect the public’s perception of the area.
“It’s going to be difficult for people to come and enjoy this pristine, beautiful nature and these big trees that we’ve had for a while,” he said.
Tucker said the mountain is essential to his livelihood.
“With how much we depend on this mountain, it can really affect how things go with our business,” he said.
As for rental properties, Tucker said they plan to do everything they can to stay and rebuild.
Ultimately, however, the decision will rest with the homeowners association.
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