Utah
Watch: ‘Firenado’ caught on video in Utah during Deer Creek Fire
A “firenado,” a large wildfire caught up in a swift tornado, was spotted in eastern Utah, near the Colorado border, last weekend.
The fire-induced tornado developed within the Deer Creek Fire just after 1 p.m. MT on Saturday, July 12, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The “firenado,” which was given an EF-2 rating, lasted for about 12 minutes. Tornados ranked as an EF-2 are deemed “significant” and exhibit a wind speed of 111-136 miles per hour.
No injuries were reported by fire personnel, but buildings in the area did sustain fire and wind damage, according to the NWS.
“In a state built by pioneers who prepared for hard seasons, we must meet this moment with the same resolve,” Utah Sen. John Curtis wrote in an X post on Thursday, July 17. “I urge every Utahn to take seriously the fire restrictions currently in place.”
Watch ‘firenado’ form amid Utah wildfire
‘Firenado’ forms in Utah’s Deer Creek Fire
A massive fire vortex was seen forming at the Deer Creek Fire close to Utah’s border with Colorado.
What is the Deer Creek Fire?
Deer Creek Fire started on Thursday, July 10 and as of Friday, July 18, had burned more than 15,600 acres, according to Utah Fire. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The fire is located within Deer Creek State Park, along the border of Utah and Colorado.
Is the Deer Creek Fire contained?
As of Friday, July 18, 11% of Deer Creek Fire was contained, according to Utah Fire.
Evacuation notices issued for Deer Creek Fire
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office has issued pre-evacuations for areas around Deer Creek State Park. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to check for local updates, prepare go-kits of supplies, put animal evacuation plans into place, inform loved ones of evacuation plans and leave areas that feel unsafe.
To sign up for emergency alerts, visit the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office at montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com/montrose-alerts/.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Utah
Embattled Utah Rep. Trevor Lee loses county GOP convention — but wins enough support to make primary
Earlier in the week, House Speaker Mike Schultz said lawmakers asked the attorney general to investigate allegations of fraud and bribery against Lee.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, running for reelection, addresses delegates during the Davis County Republican Party nominating convention at Syracuse High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Also from Utah Eats: A Utah baker ends his run on a Food Network competition; Lucky Slice’s territory grows.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Yeti, a Himalayan-themed bar in Cottonwood Heights, is pictured on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Utah
Zion National Park closes popular trail during ongoing search and rescue operation – KSLNewsRadio
FILE: An entrance to Zion National Park is pictured on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. The West Rim and Angel’s Landing Trails are temporarily closed in Zion National Park for an ongoing search and rescue operation. (Ravel Call, Deseret News)
(Ravel Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The West Rim and Angel’s Landing Trails are temporarily closed in Zion National Park for an ongoing search and rescue operation.
According to park officials, an incident occurred on the Angels Landing trail at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17.
At the time of publication, emergency services and search and rescue officials were on the scene.
Views along the Angel’s Landing Trail, Zion National Park. (KSL)
No further information was available.
Other reading: Supreme Court, Justice Hagen respond to state investigation into misconduct allegations
This story is developing and may be updated.
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