Here is the latest Utah news from The Associated Press

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the U.S. Forest Service warns of an "above average" fire season that could cost the agency more than $1 billion and require shifting funds from programs designed to prevent wildfires. Tom Tidwell testified before a Senate committee yesterday that the fire season is 60 to 80 days longer than it was just 15 years ago, and he didn't expect any falloff.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As state lawmakers consider paying billions for controversial new water projects in the years ahead, a report shows that state water officials don't know exactly how much water Utah residents are using or when the state will face a shortage. Environmental groups opposed to the Lake Powell and Bear River projects say the report shows the need for both projects has been overstated.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Police say two Utah men fatally shot would-be criminals a few miles apart over the weekend, but neither shooter is expected to face charges. They're in a gun-friendly state that was one of the first to pass a "Stand Your Ground"-style law more than 20 years ago. In the first shooting, a man who holds a concealed carry permit intervened in a carjacking. Hours later, a homeowner in Pleasant Grove shot a man who attempted to force his way into the man's house.

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a five-year, $41 million contract for operation of the Wind River Job Corps Center to a Utah company. The Riverton Ranger reports that Management and Training Corporation will run the Riverton-based center, which is scheduled to open this summer. The company operates 21 Job Corps centers nationwide.