Deadly Kentucky flooding kills 4 as western wildfires claim firefighters’ lives
Heavy rain and dangerous weather claimed lives on opposite sides of the country this weekend, as deadly flooding struck Kentucky and fast-moving wildfires burned across the West.
(CNN)- Heavy rain and dangerous weather claimed lives on opposite sides of the country this weekend, as deadly flooding struck Kentucky and fast-moving wildfires burned across the West.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay off flooded roads after torrential rain triggered widespread flooding that killed at least four people. Officials said one victim died while attempting to drive through floodwaters, while another was killed in a crash believed to have been caused by hydroplaning.
Some parts of Kentucky received up to 12 inches of rain in just 48 hours, washing out bridges, flooding homes, submerging roads and prompting dozens of water rescues. Although floodwaters have begun to recede, Beshear warned they remain dangerous.
Meanwhile, firefighters in the West continue battling several large wildfires. Three firefighters were killed while responding to the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border, and two others were hospitalized with burn injuries.
The Snyder Fire had burned more than 28,000 acres by Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. In Utah, the Cottonwood Fire east of Beaver had grown to nearly 100,000 acres by Sunday evening, covering an area larger than Salt Lake City.
The extreme fire danger prompted Utah Governor Spencer Cox to announce Fourth of July fireworks restrictions last week, citing historic drought conditions, hundreds of active wildfires and unprecedented fire behavior.
In neighboring Colorado, the rapidly growing Gold Mountain Fire forced officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue mandatory evacuation orders as crews worked to contain the blaze.
