Gov. Cox signs wildfire executive order amid worsening drought in Utah

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has issued an executive order to strengthen wildfire preparedness and coordination ahead of the state's upcoming fire season, forming a Working Group on Wildfire Management comprised of leaders from key state agencies. The group is tasked with identifying high-risk areas, improving coordination with local, state, and federal partners, and providing recommendations for mitigation and evacuation planning in a report due by June 1. The order emphasizes addressing post-fire risks such as flooding and debris flows, and builds upon the Utah Fire Sense campaign, which has significantly reduced human-caused wildfires in recent years. Residents are urged to prepare emergency plans and kits, sign up for local alerts, and ensure fire safety around their homes. The order follows heightened concerns over drought conditions, particularly in southern Utah, where low soil moisture and below-average snowpack have increased wildfire risks. Governor Cox has indicated further emergency declarations may be forthcoming to address these drought-related challenges.