Red flag warning issued across Utah as gusty winds, low humidity raise fire risk

Dry grass and gusty winds increase wildfire risk across Utah as red flag warnings remain in effect for parts of the state. Photo: Utah Fire Info

Officials urge residents to avoid sparks as drought and dry vegetation continue to heighten wildfire danger statewide.

PARK CITY, Utah — A red flag warning is in effect across large portions of Utah from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, with forecasters warning that gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels could allow fires to spread quickly.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City said critical fire weather conditions are expected in several fire weather zones through 9 p.m. Wednesday, with west to northwest winds gusting up to 35 mph in some areas and relative humidity dropping as low as 5% to 10%.

A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or imminent. The National Weather Service said a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any new fires or existing fires may spread rapidly under those conditions.

Utah Fire Info urged residents to use “Fire Sense,” avoid activities that could spark a wildfire, and monitor conditions for possible additional warnings.

The warning comes as Utah continues to face a dry start to summer. The Utah Division of Water Resources said June temperatures are worsening drought conditions and accelerating the drying of soils and vegetation across the state. The agency reported June 11 that Utah had already seen more than 230 fires this year, with a majority caused by humans.

The state entered the year with a historically low snowpack. Utah’s snowpack peaked March 9 at 8.4 inches — about half of what the state typically receives by early April — and the Division of Water Resources reported in March that 98% of the state was already in some form of drought.

Drought.gov reported in May that this year’s peak snowpack will serve as a new record-low benchmark for Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, with snow water equivalent around April 1 measuring 32% to 53% lower than the previous record low during the SNOTEL era. The same report said peak flows in many Utah streams had already occurred and ended before the normal spring runoff season began.

Officials are asking Utahns to avoid outdoor burning, dragging trailer chains, parking vehicles over dry grass, using equipment that can throw sparks, and leaving campfires unattended. Residents should check local fire restrictions before recreating or working outdoors.