Fire officials from a number of agencies are asking Utah residents to observe fire restrictions today, which is Pioneer Day. They warn that fireworks can spark fires in the state's parched areas. The National Weather Service says strong winds, thunderstorms and low humidity across central and western Utah are likely to trigger new wildfires. Fire crews are already battling several blazes in northern Utah.
Despite widespread drought in the West, wildfires have burned less than half the 10-year average area so far this summer. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell says that has largely been a matter of luck, with the hot, windy weather known as "red flag" days not lining up with the lighting strikes that start fires.
The Union of Concerned Scientists believe that climate change is contributing to bigger and longer fire seasons.
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