Mackinzie Hamilton

Nearly 70,000 US communities are at risk this wildfire season, and with an average of 6.5 million acres burned each year, it's important for people to be prepared.

Pam Leschak of the U.S. Forest Service talked to UPR's Mackinzie Hamilton about the Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) Initiative, a national public service campaign that helps individuals, communities, and land managers to prepare for wildfire season.

60,000 acres burned in Utah last year and Leschak says, "This year's gonna be a lot more active than last year. It's early in the season and we're already seeing a lot of activity."

This is the second week of competition in the Gina Bachauer International Young Artist Piano Competition in Salt Lake City. This week's competitors are 14 - 18 years old.

Last week the 11 - 13 year old pianists competed in the Junior Competition. Ryota Yamazaki, a Japanese 13-year-old who lives and studies in Utah, was named the winner for his performance of Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 3 in C Major.

UPR's Mackinzie Hamilton spoke to Gary Billings, the director of the competition, and learned more about the high caliber of these performers.

The "Dump Fire" that started this week near Saratoga Springs was only 20% contained before today's high temperatures and winds forced more than 2,000 homes to be evacuated in Saratoga Springs and nearby Eagle Mountain.

Early on Friday, FEMA authorized funds through a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fight the fire.

IMPORTANT EVACUATION INFORMATION

• An evacuation center has been set up at Westlake High School, 99 North Thunder Blvd., Saratoga Springs
• Eagle Mountain residents should call 801-789-6000 for emergency info
• Saratoga Springs residents should call 801-766-6503 for emergency info
• For pet evacuation assistance call Steve Weber at Cedar Pass Ranch: 801-735-6646
  

In an interview with Mackinzie Hamilton last November, personal trainer Drew Manning talked about his life after gaining 70 pounds and shared doubts that he could shed the weight. It's just a little reminder of the Fat part of his Fit to Fat to Fit journey he shared with UPR on Access Utah this week.

While Dan Lilenquist tries to unseat incumbent Senator Orrin Hatch for the Republican nod in this November’s senate election, the Utah Democratic Party has already picked their nominee. Scott Howell responds to the June 15 debate between the Republican candidates on the Doug Wright Show as well as addresses his "3 E's" -- Education, Economy, Energy -- with UPR's Mackinzie Hamilton.

• 3 of the Fastest Growing Towns in America are in Utah
• Suicide Prevention Bill Signed Into Law
• Which Candidate is the Most Attractive to Utah Voters?

These stories and the rest of the day's headlines on our 5:30 Utah News broadcast.

• Gov. Herbert Has Approved a New Education Budget
• Man Charged with Aggravated Murder for Shooting a Smoke Shop Owner's Son
• California Man Honored with Bravery Award for Saving a Life in Zion National Park

State Education Budget

Gov. Herbert Signed Into Law:

• Longer Waiting Period for Abortions in Utah
• Shorter Window for Shooting Off Fireworks this Year
• Nearly 200 More Bills

We cover news of Utah's newest laws and the rest of the day's headlines on our 5:30 newscast.

• Gunfire at a House Party Injures Four
• Man Planning to Propose to His Girlfriend Has Died
• Arrest Made for the Murder of a 15-Year-Old Girl

Listen to these stories and the rest of the day's news , plus the weather forecast, on our 5:30 Utah News broadcast.

• A Busy Last Day of Utah Legislative Session
• Grain Mill Fire in Southern Idaho
• Suing DOT Over Sinkhole Death

These stories and today's headlines in Utah News, plus full legislative coverage and the wonderful forecast from the Utah Climate Center.