Wildfire Season

Thanks to wet weather and prevention efforts, Utah’s had fewer fires this year than any other year since at least 2002.

“With it being so dry and with the fuels just ready to go, we're pretty much issuing red flag warnings almost every day at this point,” said Mark Miller, a National Weather service meteorologist who forecasts for southeast Utah.

Officials in Salt Lake City are replacing their traditional explosive extravaganza with a drone light show. Flagstaff, Arizona, plans another laser light show like the one that replaced fireworks last year.

Emergency personnel in Southwest Utah are already battling frequent fires as the extra grass and brush that grew during the wet spring are providing more fire fuel as they dry out.

“A lot can change between now and the heart of summer,” said Jon Meyer, the assistant state climatologist at the Utah Climate Center.

“[The drought’s] probably not going to go away in one year, but we are in a better situation than we were this time last year,” said a state coordinator.

With wildfire seasons growing longer and stronger across the Mountain West, companies that do prevention work are staying busy.

Wildfires are increasingly threatening Utah homes and communities. Here are some things to help you prepare.

People are the leading cause of fires in Utah. Currently, the biggest concern for officials is campfires.

If air tanker resources fall short, a specialized team of military personnel can help. This year is shaping up to be another extreme fire season, so having this backup may be especially helpful.

Vegetation across Utah is extremely dry, and fire officials are preparing for another busy year. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about wildfires.

The latest Utah news for Thursday morning, April 14, 2022