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See haze in Salt Lake Valley? It’s from fires in Siberia

Posted at 3:59 PM, Apr 21, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-21 18:05:25-04

Courtesy: NASA

SALT LAKE CITY – Wondering what is causing the recent haze over the Salt Lake Valley?

The cause is most likely not what you’re thinking.

NASA experts said the smoke is coming from Siberia. Yes, Siberia.

Officials said smoke that most likely came from fires in southern Russia has made it to the Pacific Northwest and into Utah.

NASA said farmers traditionally burn dried grass in the spring to fertilize the soil but this year’s unusually warm temperatures and strong winds caused the fires quickly burn out of control.

According to NASA, the fires in Siberia have killed about 25 people, devastated several villages and left thousands homeless.

MORE: Get complete details from NASA