wildfires

So far, at least $28 million has been spent fighting almost 1,000 wildfires in Utah this year, with about $7.2 million shouldered by the state.

Thunderstorms passed through southwestern Montana on Monday evening, producing lightning strikes and increasing concern that new wildfires would join those surrounding Missoula.

Globally weather patterns indicate a shift to a La Niña for the coming winter, which could affect the next water year in the West.

Building campfires and other restrictions are set to take effect at the tick of midnight on Friday across Missoula County and other surrounding jurisdictions.

Hot and dry conditions on Wednesday prompted fire managers to raise the fire danger to "extreme' in Missoula County and on several surrounding forests, effective immediately.

Much of the state has seen record-breaking heat this July, with daily temperature records set in places like Cedar City, Kanab, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele, according to the National Weather Service.