Forest fires burning in northern and southern Utah destroy several structures and threaten

Firefighters across Utah are working to contain at least four forest fires – both of them threatening structures – amidst a trio of warm temperatures, wind and low humidity.

These conditions led the National Weather Service on Wednesday to issue several Red Flag warnings to fire officials, indicating the possibility of a dangerous growth of wildfires.

A forest fire of about 10 acres about 2 miles east of the Fruitland community in West Duchesne County destroyed three homes, according to fire officials.

Travis Tucker, deputy chief of the Duchesne County Sheriff, said in a tweet that officials "control" the fire, which they call the Fruitland Shed Fire. Meanwhile, traffic on the US 40 has been affected in both directions and authorities advise Utahns to avoid the area.

Volunteers from the Utah Red Cross responded Wednesday night to provide "food, comfort and shelter" to families affected by the fire.

In southern Utah, a forest fire that burns about 1 mile east of Gardner Peak in Pine Valley and 3 miles north of the Mill Flat Trailhead is also threatening structures, according to the reports. firefighters. They estimated the size of the affected area at about 2000 acres on Wednesday night, with dry vegetation and wind continuing to fire north.

"It's really hot, dry and windy, and tomorrow the wind is expected to increase compared to what it is today," said Nick Howell, a West Valley Fire spokesman. "So, no real favorable weather conditions."

Color Interagencies between countries The fire and the planes reacted to the fire, which is called the West Valley Fire, Wednesday afternoon, but Howell noted that it is difficult to access to parts of the area. The cause of the fire, which began around 3 pm, is unknown. Officials said that there was no evacuation or injury.

At least two fires burn in other parts of the state: one in Box Elder County, Broad Canyon, and another in the Parawan Canyon, which would be between 5 and 10 acres.

Authorities estimated that the fire at Broad Canyon, called the Rough Canyon fire, was 1200 acres. About 40 people fought the fire on Wednesday night with two bulldozers, a grader, four single-engine tankers and an Air Attack aircraft on the scene. A helicopter was also on the way. A spokesman for the fire said that he was of human origin and zero percent contained.