This is your rundown of the daily news for Monday, July 15. In this edition:
- Utah signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine on Friday
- Antelope Island State Park broke ground on a massive expansion to its visitors center
- A red flag warning has been issued for the Flaming Gorge area as the Speirs Fire grows
- The Deer Springs Fire is gradually reaching containment
- The Graff Point Fire remains uncontained
- Three hikers were found dead after various heat-related incidents.
- A body found in Snow Canyon has been identified and nearby family members are in critical condition.
Body found in Snow Canyon identified and nearby family members in critical condition
6:40 a.m.
The following is an update on a story from Monday, July 15.
First responders found Belyruth Ordóñez's body Saturday afternoon. Close friends say her parents are still in critical condition at a hospital in St. George as of Monday night.
Law enforcement found Dario Ordóñez and his wife, Humbelina Ordóñez suffering from what appeared to be heat-related injuries in Snow Canyon. They were rushed to the hospital, but their only child didn't make it.
Local law enforcement say the incident is being investigated as a heat-related incident.
The Orem family was on a trip to the St. George area.
Utah signs memorandum of understanding with Ukraine
3:54 p.m.
Gov. Spencer Cox hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-level Ukrainian officials at the National Governors Association on Friday.
The visit culminated with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Utah and Kyiv Oblast, the province surrounding Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv.
The memorandum of understanding commits Utah and Kyiv Oblast to work more closely in areas like aerospace and defense, energy diversification, and academia.
The event builds on existing partnerships between Utah and Ukraine. Utah was the first U.S. state to send a trade and humanitarian delegation to Ukraine in 2023 after the war began. Utah’s aerospace and defense association, 47G, also had an active partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries.
Antelope Island breaks ground on massive expansion to visitors center
3:54 p.m.
The Utah Division of State Parks broke ground last week on a massive expansion to the Antelope Island State Park's Visitors Center.
The expansion will add over 20,000 square feet to the facility, including more restrooms, office space, and educational and interpretive displays.
There will also be a new catering kitchen so the venue can host events and a 200-person conference room with a large-format theater to play a new nature documentary called "Secrets of Great Salt Lake."
The existing visitors center will be renovated to become a new learning center for K Through Twelve students and universities.
Antelope Island State Park was Utah's fourth most-visited state park last year, and has seen an increase in visitation of nearly 250% over the past 20 years.
Red flag warning issued for the Flaming Gorge area as Speirs Fire grows
10:09 a.m.
The Speirs Fire sparked Saturday evening south of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Initially estimated at 30 to 50 acres, it had grown to more than 580 acres by Sunday.
Utah Fire authorities began working to suppress the fire, located east of Highway 191 near Speirs Peak, around 6 p.m. on July 13.
Smoke jumpers reportedly arrived Saturday evening to assist resources already on the scene and have been working to construct a fire line since.
Additional crews were dispatched and arrived on Sunday.
The Speirs Fire remained active overnight and had grown over 530 acres by Sunday afternoon.
A Red Flag Warning remains in place for the area, with dry thunderstorms and high winds expected to contribute to critical fire weather conditions.
Deer Springs Fire gradually reaching containment
10:09 a.m.
The Deer Springs Fire has grown to 11,783 acres and 70% containment.
The fire was first discovered on July 7 and appears to be human caused.
Utah Fire Info say division strength has reportedly decreased down to three, with more personnel expected to demobilize as fire containment increases.
Graff Point Fire remains uncontained
10:09 a.m.
The Graff Point Fire, located near Cedar City, has burned close to 300 acres and is at 0% containment.
There was less smoke in the area on Sunday compared to Saturday, although fire officials say fire activity could increase with high wind potential.
More resources and crews are now on the fire line.
Three hikers found dead after various heat-related incidents
10:09 a.m.
A father and daughter have been found dead after getting lost and running out of water at Canyonlands National Park.
San Juan County officials say the 23-year-old woman and her 52-year-old father, both from Green Bay, Wisconsin, were hiking when they got lost and ran out of water. The air temperature at the time was more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, a body was found at Snow Canyon State Park in southern Utah near Ivins on Saturday. First responders were dispatched to an unrelated medical incident nearby and were responding to a report of two people suffering from a heat-related incident.
First responders found the two and provided first aid. Police said they showed signs of heat exhaustion and were "swiftly" transported to a hospital.
While on the scene, a passerby reportedly contacted the officials and said a third individual—a woman—was found unconscious a short distance away.
First responders found her and determined she had died. She has been identified as a 30-year-old woman, although no further identification has been released.
Police remind Utahns that as temperatures soar, it's "absolutely vital" to drink water regularly, especially when outdoors. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Watch for signs of dehydration, like dizziness or excessive fatigue
