Utah - Lightning brings western wildfire risks

Wildfire season is upon us, especially in the West as the monsoonal thunderstorms and drought persist.

Nearly all of Utah is in some type of abnormally dry or moderate drought condition, with the exception of a couple of central locations, which provide plentiful wildfire fuel. In the last 24 hours, 6 new fire starts were reported, with some being found just after thunderstorm activity.

It is estimated that more than 17,000 of the yearly wildfires in the U.S. are caused by lightning. This wildfire season alone, more than 400 Utah wildfires have been started by lightning, which have burned approximately 23,522 acres.

The LightningRadar helps us to know when and where lightning is striking and can also indicate possible wildfire start spots if you know you are nearby fuel like tall dry grasses and trees.

Not to be outdone, you don't have to see wildfires to know there are many nearby. Smoke from Idaho wildfires is also causing poor air quality in Salt Lake City this Wednesday. Mind the Air Quality Index if going outdoors.