Wildfire danger high today in Utah

BOULDER, Garfield County — A red flag warning has been issued today for much of southern Utah, warning of increased fire danger.

The National Weather Service predicts thunderstorms forming over central and southern Utah, bringing with it the chance for dry lightning. Hot temperatures and strong winds have increased the likelihood for fire danger.

Already, the Color Country Fire Center said 23 fires have been sparked by dry lightning. They stretch from the Utah-Nevada border to Escalante.

"So far, those have been contained or we're working on trying to figure out what they're doing," said Kenton Call, a spokesman for the center.

Firefighters have contained a 1,400-acre wildfire burning near Boulder. The Bear Creek fire is burning in ponderosa pine about seven miles from Boulder. Over the weekend, firefighters were able to get a line around it.

The fire was human caused, but the exact cause remains under investigation.