Utah is experiencing more wildfires in the midst of drought and high temperatures. And more of those blazes are being caused by people as our population grows. The job of fire investigators has never been more important. They track down the spark that can lead to prosecutions and their work provides crucial data for studying fire causes. Today on the news, we speak with investigators about their large caseload. Plus, a multi-agency coalition is planning a network of electric vehicle charging stations along rural roads in Utah and other Western states. And, Montana youth are suing the state over energy policies they say are hurting their health and environment.

// Plus, the Weekly News Reel! The Times-Independent’s Sophia Fisher discusses a local man’s death after being swept away by the Colorado River. She also highlights special events permitting, rising costs affecting a planned roundabout and a casting call for the Kevin Costner project. The Moab Sun News’ Alison Harford discusses an initiative trying to bring local foods to schools, Community Rebuilds offering a week-long workshop and an upcoming ‘mystery’ event from the MARC’s new artist-in-residence.

// Show Notes:

// Photo: Burnt trees near the Pack Creek day use area, where fire investigators determined a 9,000 acre fire was started in June 2021. Lately, Utah’s investigators have been busier than ever. KZMU/Molly Marcello

// Weekly News Reel Mentions:

// The Times-Independent: Local man dies after being swept away by the Colorado
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/local-man-dies-after-being-swept-away-by-the-colorado/

// The Times-Independent: City takes harder look at special event permitting
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-takes-harder-look-at-special-event-permitting/

// The Times-Independent: Rising costs impact planned roundabout
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/rising-costs-impact-planned-roundabout/

// The Times-Independent: Costner film holds casting call July 29, 30 at Star Hall
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/costner-film-holds-casting-call-july-29-30-at-star-hall/

// Moab Sun News: Bringing local foods to schools, statewide
https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/14/utah-farm-to-fork/

// Moab Sun News: Natural building essentials – Community Rebuilds offers week-long workshop
https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/14/natural-building-essentials/

// Moab Sun News: Learn something new with the MARC artist in residence
https://moabsunnews.com/2022/07/14/marc-workshop/