Fire Danger

A local firework vendor said sales have plummeted following the statewide ban. Meanwhile, first responders are gearing up for a busier holiday weekend than usual.

In other news, crews fighting the Iron Fire in Juab County may have been exposed to lead. And, target shooting is banned on wildlife management areas in over half of Utah's counties.

Most municipalities are still keeping their Fourth of July fireworks shows. Some are also designating specific areas for residents to set off their own fireworks.

Thousands of firefighters are deployed in the Great Basin region, which includes almost all of Utah and parts of surrounding states.

Gov. Spencer Cox issued the emergency order on Thursday as wildfires rage across the state, including the devastating Cottonwoods Fire near Beaver.

In other news, the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver has exploded to over 55,000 acres burned in just two days. It has required evacuations in the area, including at Eagle Point Resort.

Hot, dry, and windy days have become more common across the West since 1973. The fire season is also becoming longer and more intense, and can bring other issues like unhealthy air quality.

J. Bradley Washa, Assistant Professor of Wildland Fire Science at USU, talks about upcoming prescribed fires across Utah and shares a recap of this year's fire season.

J. Bradley Washa, USU Assistant Professor in Wildland Fire Science gives us an end of season fire update and fire safety tips.

Salt Lake Tribune reporters Robert Gehrke, Emily Anderson Stern, and Brock Marchant talk about the week’s top stories, including three bars and a restaurant that burned down but may be rebuilt.