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Red Flag wind warnings for southern Utah all this week

Posted at 10:43 AM, May 16, 2022
and last updated 2022-05-16 18:11:04-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Officials with Hurricane Valley Fire announced they now have full-time staffing of Fire Station 43 in LaVerkin, providing around the clock service for one of the fastest-growing regions in Utah.

And it couldn’t come at a better time with Red Flag wind warnings for the area throughout the upcoming week.

The fire station will now have five firefighters/EMTs, a fire engine, an ambulance, and a brush truck. All those resources may be put to the test due to the weather advisories.

Even though it’s been cool and relatively wet across northern Utah this spring, experts say the southern part of the state is missing out on a lot of precipitation. With warm temperatures, winds, and low humidity, it means a lot of grasses and brush are drying out earlier than normal, which is creating early-season fire conditions.

“Going into this week, we’re going to see a continuation of those hot, dry conditions," said Mike Seaman with the National Weather Service. "We’re going to see southwest winds picking up each day Monday, Tuesday, and again Thursday. And that combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures are going to create a considerable fire weather danger.”

Fire Station 43 will be serving several communities surrounding LaVerkin including Leeds, Toquerville, and Springdale.