What happens if there is a massive wildfire in the Cottonwood canyons?

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Utah's Cottonwood canyons face high wildfire risk due to drought and heavy use.

Officials met to devise proactive wildfire mitigation plans, including tree clearing strategies.

Efforts aim to prevent disasters like California's Camp Fire, which destroyed thousands of structures.

SALT LAKE CITY — As drought continues to cripple water resources and demand land management change, there is increasing attention on the risk inherently built into some of the most visited areas in Utah.

Big and Little Cottonwood and Millcreek canyons in Salt Lake County are big draws, attracting roughly 3.2 million visitors per year in an area spanning roughly 80,000 acres.

By comparison, Arches National Park — one of Utah's beloved national parks — receives ab