Wildfires

J. Bradley Washa, assistant professor of Wildland Fire Science at USU, gives us an end of season update and the outlook as we head into the colder months.

In other news, the Red Cross of Utah wants to raise $1 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. And, railroad "quiet zones" have been suspended from Ogden to Provo.

Recent research from Colorado State University shows that plants will pause photosynthesis in smoky and polluted environments.

In other news, a new fire in the Uinta Mountains burned 1,500 acres in one day. And, a group of South Jordan residents are petitioning for a bridge over Mountain View Corridor.

Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy, recently talked with St. George News to detail lesser known effects of wildfires on Utah's water supply.

In other news, the Kolob Fire evacuation order has been lifted. And, the victims of a drowning accident at Lake Powell have been identified.

In other news, one worker's mistake last year has led to nearly 200 trees dying in one area of Salt Lake City. And, a small wildfire in Zion National Park has forced the closure of the popular Hop Valley Trail.

In other news, a fireworks malfunction at a Pioneer Day event in Layton injured two people. And, a new fire in Summit County has slowed, but remained uncontained.

In other news, a woman died in southwest Utah on Sunday in the state's fourth heat-related death this month. And, a released report says Utah State University fired football coach Blake Anderson for contacting a potential domestic violence victim and failing to properly report the case.

As fires burn throughout Utah, extreme heat and dry weather could make the state even more sensitive to fire activity.