Fireworks, campfires banned under nearly statewide Fire Restriction Order

WEBER COUNTY, Utah — Due to extremely dry conditions across the state, a Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order has been issued in several Utah counties.

The order limits where fires can be legally burned, including a ban on all campfires and fireworks outside incorporated city limits until conditions improve. Certain cities may have further restrictions regarding campfires and fireworks.

Under the order, the following acts are now prohibited in Juab, Millard, Wayne, Piute, Sevier, Sanpete, Box Elder, Weber, Cache, Rich, Morgan, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Iron, Beaver and Weber County:

1. Campfires or open fires outside of agency improved and maintained campgrounds and home sites; running water is required on cabins or homesites on unincorporated private land; devices fueled by liquid petroleum are allowed
2. Discharging of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices outside of incorporated city limits (city specific restrictions may apply)
3. Shooting of exploding targets or tracer ammunition
4. Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal in areas of dry vegetation; This includes acetylene torches
5. Use of off-highway vehicle, chainsaw, or internal combustion engines without a working and properly maintained spark arrestor (if required)
6. No smoking near vegetation or outside of a developed recreation site, personal vehicle, or building
7. Use of any sky lanterns, Chinese lanterns, fire balloons, acetylene balloons or similar device

“Despite the recent monsoon storms, rainfall has not been widespread, and the majority of Utah remains in extreme drought,” said Bureau of Land Management Utah State Fire Management Officer Chris Delaney. “While the moisture we received was much needed, it has not been enough to reduce our wildland fire risk. We still need every Utahn to use their Fire Sense and to be a responsible public land user when enjoying the outdoors.”

Several wildfires have broken out across the state over the last few weeks, burning thousands of acres and forcing the mobilization of fire crews into hazardous areas.