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Flames force evacuations near Strawberry Reservoir; campfires blamed for a rash of Utah wildfires

At least seven major wildfires were burning across Utah Monday, keeping firefighters and pilots busy in the face of hot, windy weather that has primed drought-plagued land covered with timber and sagebrush for ignition.

Areas east of Strawberry Reservoir are under evacuation orders in front of the rapidly spreading Dollar Ridge Fire, which ignited Sunday afternoon on private land southeast of the popular reservoir.

Heading into a holiday week that is expected to draw thousands onto Utah’s public lands, the wildfire threat, along with algal blooms on Utah Lake, has narrowed the options for places to enjoy outdoor recreation.