Amy Nay anchors Good Day Utah Weekend each Saturday and Sunday morning on Fox 13 from 6:30-9AM. She also fills in on the desk and out in the field for Fox 13 News.
SEVIER COUNTY, Utah — A controlled burn that reignited in gusty winds sparked a 100-acre wildfire over the weekend in central Utah, raising concerns about an early start to wildfire season.Fire crews from Sevier and Sanpete counties responded Saturday to the fire burning along the Sevier River just north of Redmond, sending thick plumes of black smoke visible across the area.
According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the fire began as an agricultural burn.“One of our local farmers was out taking care of some weeds in the ditches… and thought he had it taken care of,” Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis said. “Then thought, 'I’d better go see.'”While controlled burns are common this time of year, conditions weren’t typical.“This is way too early to be dealing with this right now,” Curtis said. “The whole state’s dry… It’s something all of us across the state are paying attention to.”Curtis said he reached out to other sheriffs across Utah and got the same response: concern about how early fires are starting this season.Officials say most controlled burns are handled safely, but wind and dry conditions helped this one quickly spread.“It doesn’t take much,” Curtis said. “The wind, dry conditions, and it really took off.”Multiple agencies, including local fire departments and volunteers from both Sevier and Sanpete counties, worked together to contain the fire.“It was right on the county line… and we had agencies from both sides working together,” Curtis said. “They’re just amazing.”The fire comes as Utah State University’s Fire Potential Outlook shows an “above normal” risk for significant wildland fire in parts of southern Utah heading into summer.Experts say a lack of typical winter snowpack is a key factor.“We didn’t have that snowpack… to push down cheatgrass and lighter fuels,” said Ashley Snipes with the Bureau of Land Management. “That’s causing a problem right now for an easy start and quick spread.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fire burns along highway, forces SR-28 closure south of Levan in Juab CountyA fire burning along the highway forced the closure of SR-28 south of Levan in Juab County.According to Utah Fire Info, the fire ignited just outside Yuba Lake.
Read more »
Unlock the secrets of Salem: A hidden gem in Utah County with endless possibilitiesLocal builder Woodside Homes is helping home hunters become homeowners this spring with tons of options for every taste and budget.
Read more »
Woman rescued after car goes off 118 Freeway embankment in Ventura CountyVentura County Search and Rescue personnel were returning from a training exercise when they spotted the vehicle veer to the right and leave the roadway.
Read more »
Baldwin County Residents Raise Concerns Over Expanding Solar Projects, Citing Environmental and Community ImpactsRural Baldwin County residents are voicing concerns about the rapid expansion of solar energy projects, highlighting potential environmental and community impacts. The pushback initiated by a 4,500-acre project near Stockton has expanded to include additional proposed sites, prompting calls for greater regulatory oversight and community involvement. Concerns over the scale and pace of development are leading to community action and calls for legislative intervention.
Read more »
Police searching for truck driver who allegedy struck a juvenile in Lancaster CountyPolice are requesting the public's help in finding a pickup truck driver who they say truck a juvenile in Columbia Borough on Friday night in a hit-and-run.
Read more »
Man charged in bank fraud representative scam in Wayne CountyA Nassau County man has been charged following an 'extensive' fraud investigation in Wayne County.
Read more »