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Parts of Utah under Red Flag Warnings for high fire danger

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Posted at 12:21 AM, Apr 05, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-05 21:28:34-04

The National Weather Service issued "Red Flag Warnings" for eastern and southern Utah on Monday given low humidity, severe drought conditions and wind gusts.

Experts are concerned about fire danger in Duchesne, Carbon, Emery, Wayne and Garfield counties. There is also concern for parts of Beaver, Iron and Washington counties. Experts say the gusty winds and low humidity aren't good for this time of year.

"Having [a red flag warning] in April isn't unheard of, but it's not that common either," said John Wilson, a meteorologist for the Salt Lake City NWS branch. "It's also important to remember that while there is high fire danger, a lot of wildfires are caused by people."

READ: 1,500-acre wildfire in Tooele County 70% contained

Some of the warnings last until Monday night, while others continue through Tuesday. Check the NWS website and social media for the latest updates.

Record-breaking temperatures in some areas of Utah along with a very dry start to April have fire crews across the state responding to numerous wildfires, most of which have been caused by human carelessness.

READ: Utah firefighters respond to human-caused wildfires amid early season dry conditions

“The conditions are there for a busy wildfire season," Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands spokeswoman Kait Webb said.

“The biggest thing about a Red Flag Warning is the combination that comes with that — so the wind, the low humidity and the warm temperatures," Webb said. "That is the perfect recipe for wildfire to easily start and quickly grow."

Target shooting is already to blame for nearly all of the wildfires sparked in Northern Utah on Bureau of Land Management property since mid-February.

“Be aware of the conditions that we’re in. That’s the starting point — understand what it means when we say we’re in a drought and how those conditions can affect the different recreational activities that you engage in," Webb said.