Red flag warnings in place for parts of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — There are red flag warnings in place for the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains and southwest and west-central Utah on Friday.

Red flag warnings happen when low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds come together. This creates an environment that also allows fires to start and grow.

“Where we have these warm, hot, dry falls it’s not unusual to have red flag warnings in October,” said Christine Kruse, lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist for the Great Basin Fire Coordination Center, Basil Newmerzhycky said it’s up to all of us to stay vigilant. However, his agency plays its part, too.

The center works ahead on days like this to have resources at the ready, just in case.

“During very critical events like a big dry wind event like this is going to be, or a lightning event, they sometimes make the decision to pre-position certain resources in certain geographic areas,” said Newmerzhycky.

According to Kruse, people cause most fires. Participating in activities that could start a wildfire like target shooting or leaving campfires unattended should be avoided. 

“We just want to make sure that people are very, very careful in those areas with potential ignition sources,” said Kruse. 

Related reading:

• Yellow Lake Fire determined to be human-caused
• Utah to see near-record highs through the weekend
• Fire risk: Red Flag Warning issued for Salt Lake
• Inhaling smoke from wildfires may aggravate depression, anxiety in kids