Red Flag Warning Going Into Effect For Weekend
Jun 12, 2020, 6:25 AM | Updated: 6:26 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A red flag warning has been issued for parts of western Utah, which will go into effect at noon Friday.
This year’s fire season has been stronger than normal, according to the Utah Division of Natural Resources. Authorities are asking the public to stay vigilant and do its part to keep wildfires from starting.
Wind forecast map showing some bright colors to the west. That's where we will see some stronger wind gusts. Over 30mph possible. pic.twitter.com/LYY5cVicTi
— Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) June 12, 2020
So far, there have been 375 fires during the 2020 season. At this time in 2019, there were fewer than 100 fires.
Dry conditions, high temperatures and wind gusts are making for a risky weekend ahead. DNR officials are asking Utah residents not to add to the high percentage of fires caused by humans. Authorities said 83% of wildfires this season have been human-caused.
“Many of these are people working, using grinders, cutting torch, welder, and there’s just dry grass next to them” said Jason Curry with the DNR Forestry, Fire and State Lands. “They could have taken some time, put down some welding blankets, cleared some vegetation, or maybe chosen another day.”
He said all the fires started by people were preventable.
The Rocky Ridge Fire, which started June 10 in Juab County, was caused by someone cutting metal outside, DNR officials said. They hope it’s the only fire they see this week.
