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BEAVER — As Utah faces a scorching heat wave this week, dozens of crews are continuing to battle blazes across the state.
There have been almost 490 fires in Utah this year, burning approximately 31,325 acres, according to Utah Fire Info.
A "heat dome" making its way to Utah is expected to boost temperatures close to some of the hottest ever recorded in the state. The National Weather Service issued several heat warnings and watches for anticipated triple-digit temperatures through the week.
In addition, a red flag warning was issued Tuesday, indicating hazardous fire conditions from Richfield to St. George through Wednesday evening.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today. This means critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur, and any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly. Please take a look at the map for impacted areas. Check for updates @NWSSaltLakeCity or https://t.co/qzMfc2vUhBpic.twitter.com/ZldeCHPwlC
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 9, 2024
Three main wildfires have been ravaging central and southern Utah, and firefighting crews from across the state have enlisted help to take on the blazes.
The Little Twist wildfire, located 4 miles southeast of Beaver, started in mid-June as a controlled burn but transitioned into a wildfire to allow for additional resources shortly after it began. One firefighter was seriously injured by a falling tree when battling the blaze, but he has since been released from the hospital.
Utah Fire Info posted Tuesday that Little Twist is at 5,096 acres and 45% contained.
"Firefighters are working diligently to hold and improve containment lines," the fire agency said.
The Silver King Fire started last Friday but has seen massive growth in just days. Located 8 miles west of Marysvale in Piute County, the fire grew to 1,100 acres in less than 24 hours in "very steep and rugged terrain with limited accessibility."
The flames have now reached 11,289 acres, and the fire is 0% contained. The blaze was sparked by lightning and has threatened multiple historic mining structures in the Old Kimberly Mining District, but Utah Fire Info reports crews have been able to provide some structure protection.
On Sunday, Marysvale city officials ordered the evacuation of the Upper Bullion Canyon. Local fire departments along with federal firefighters are battling the wildfire, facing strong winds and extreme conditions.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson visited Marysvale Sunday to be briefed on the wildfire.
"The next two weeks will be brutal for fire conditions in our state. Please be careful," the governor said on X.
Lastly, the Deer Springs Fire sparked south of Bryce Canyon National Park Sunday, reaching 1,200 acres in a matter of hours. By Tuesday, the blaze is 11,888 acres and the biggest fire of the season.
Fire officials have not determined the cause of this fire but said it appears to be human caused. The fire is 10% contained as of Tuesday evening.
The north end of the fire is starting to look better, and firefighters worked on securing the fire line on both sides of it on Tuesday, according to Utah Fire Info. Wind was favorable Tuesday as crews extinguished smaller fires that had migrated off the rim.
Roads and areas are closed along Skutumpah Road, and recreational activities in the Nephi Pasture Region are strongly discouraged.
Hot and dry conditions are forecast throughout the state for the rest of this week, and smoke from the fires may be seen in communities surrounding the fires.
