U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch released the following statement regarding the wildfires in Utah.
Dear Fellow Utahns:
High temperatures and extremely dry conditions have combined to produce one of the worst fire seasons in our state’s history. As you read this, more than a half-dozen major fires continue to rage across Utah, consuming tens of thousands of acres and scores of homes and other structures.
Thus far, more than 400 Utah wildfires have erupted this year and burned more than 108,000 acres. The blazes have resulted in at least one death, severe injury to two firefighters, the forced evacuation of hundreds of Utahns and major inconvenience to thousands more. And with the windy, hot and dry conditions, even more wildfires could break out at any time.
To facilitate quicker relief for victims and to ensure our state has every possible resource to fight and contain these fires, I am monitoring the situation and coordinating closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and mayors and county commissioners in areas impacted by the flames.
I am proud of our brave firefighters and first responders who have and continue, at great personal risk, to protect property and save lives. I’m also gratified to see Utah communities pull together in the face of such adversity and open their hearts and their wallets to those who have been displaced.
As we continue to work together and marshal our resources, I have every confidence that we will knock down these wildfires. Please know that I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure that we have all the support we need at the federal level, and that my thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of Utahns who have been impacted by the fires.
Sincerely,
Senator Orrin Hatch
