Utah issues historic red flag warning as multiple wildfires expand

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a red flag warning on Friday morning that will remain in effect until midnight Saturday, marking the first "particularly dangerous situation" warning in the agency’s history. The warning covers much of central and southwest Utah, with a particularly dangerous zone that includes the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver, which has burned nearly 71,000 acres since Monday and forced evacuations.

State officials also reported that the Iron Fire, which began on June 19, is about 27% contained but nearly destroyed the town of Eureka. New blazes erupted in Juab and Millard counties, prompting power shutoffs in Eureka and Tintic Junction and the closure of state roadways. A fire in Juab County, possibly sparked by lightning, prompted the evacuation of campers and RVs from an estimated 50-acre area.

Additional fires continued to develop throughout the day, including the Sulphurdale Fire near a geothermal plant, which re-ignited after previously being thought contained. Drought conditions have been intensified by the state’s lowest-ever snowpack and an early spring heat wave.

Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order banning fireworks statewide through July 5 in response to the heightened fire risk. > "Nothing about this decision was easy," Cox said in a statement. > "This is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory. We’re seeing fires spread farther and faster under conditions that defy historical expectations," said Jamie Barnes, Utah state forester.

Local jurisdictions may designate limited areas for fireworks, but the city of Provo announced a citywide prohibition without any safe zones.