(Cedar City, UT) - Thunderstorms rolling through southern Utah started multiple fires in the Color Country area; fire managers are assessing the extent of the fires and have ordered a variety of aviation resources to begin initial attack on the fires.

Bill Roach, Color Country Fire Center Manager, said, “The thunderstorms we experienced in the Color Country area Friday afternoon represent the first time this fire season that we have seen multiple fires started in the same afternoon. “Initial attack for these fires will take place over the next day or so. As we work to suppress these fires, we ask for the public’s cooperation to keep the public and our firefighting crews safe.”

Lightning caused wildfires are burning within the Paiute Wilderness. As of 10:00PM Friday, two fires were reported near Veyo, Utah and an additional wildfire was reported on the Dixie National Forest in Washington County.

Some of these fires are already in excess of 100 acres. Aviation resources have been the primary initial attack resources this afternoon and evening due to the rugged terrain and number of fires. During tomorrow’s burning period, fire managers expect to have ground crews from across the state and region arriving to assist in suppression efforts. Many of the fires that started today also received rain in association with the thunderstorms.

“Firefighting is a team effort,” said Bill Roach. “Teamwork is essential especially when we experience this sort of lightning. Wildland fire knows no boundaries. Local, state, tribal and federal firefighters all work together to manage wildfires.”

As fire crews are able to gather more specifics about these fire starts, additional information will be released.