Summit County raises fire danger to ‘Very High’, red flag warning issued

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Fire officials raised the county’s danger level to “Very High” Monday as the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for this afternoon, creating a potentially dangerous combination of conditions across northern Utah.

The weather service warning covers fire weather zones including the Salt Lake Desert and Wasatch Mountains from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Meteorologists predict scattered dry thunderstorms will develop during afternoon hours, bringing lightning strikes with minimal rainfall.

Strong outflow winds pose an additional threat, with gusts expected to exceed 30 mph and a 40-50% chance of winds reaching 45 mph or higher. The combination of lightning, dry conditions and gusty winds creates prime conditions for new fire starts and rapid fire spread.

Summit County’s Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across all municipal, state and county lands. The “Very High” designation indicates fires can ignite easily and spread faster than suppression crews can respond.

Under these conditions, fires typically produce long flame lengths and high intensity, making them extremely difficult to control. Firefighting efforts require extended and thorough suppression work, officials said.

Fire managers rely on the National Fire Danger Rating System to evaluate local risk levels. The system helps determine when to implement restrictions, close public lands, position firefighting resources or decide fire management strategies.

The Red Flag Warning represents critical fire weather conditions that are either occurring or imminent. The extended dry period preceding Tuesday’s expected storms has left vegetation particularly susceptible to ignition.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts, fire updates and current conditions at summitcounty.info/fire. Additional weather information is available at weather.gov/saltlakecity.

Fire officials urge extreme caution during the warning period and advise avoiding any activities that could create sparks or flames.