SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, breaking the previous record for the month of June, set back in the 1970s, and the heat is expected to stay for at least a few more days.
The high temperatures have the potential to cause a lot of problems and make small problems bigger.
There have already been a few fires near residences, including a five-acre brush fire in Alpine on Friday, and firefighters are worried that with the hot temperatures and fireworks being set off next week, they’ll run out of resources.
“Our crews are very busy and we ask the public to be careful with the fireworks and make sure that those are used in authorized areas,” said Lone Peak Fire Capt. Joe McRae.
Hot temperatures can mean more power outages as residents crank up the air conditioning.
“It’s possible we could have some heat-related problems. the best thing is do what we can to conserve electricity, avoid putting more strain on the grid so we don’t see those problems,” said Jeff Hymas with Rocky Mountain Power. “Instead of cranking your air conditioning all the way up, set it at 78 degrees or higher and use things like ceiling fans to circulate the air.”
Hymas recommends making sure you’re not using extra electricity like forgetting to turn off the TV, lights or computer when you leave a room.
