Fire danger is high across southern Utah

BOULDER, Garfield County — A red-flag warning has been issued today for much of southern Utah, denoting 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.

The Color Country Fire Center said 23 fires have already 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 pine about seven miles from Boulder. The fire was human caused, but the exact cause is under investigation.