MOAB, Utah — Just in time for the holiday weekend, fire restrictions are set to be dropped all across Utah.
Stage 1 and 2 restrictions will end at 12:01 a.m. Friday, after a long summer in which drought conditions led to multiple wildfires that consumed hundreds of thousands in one of the worst seasons in state history.
Fire restrictions will be dropped in the following areas:
- Southwest area (Stage 1): Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield and Kane counties
- Central Area (Stage 1): Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne and Piute counties
- Southeast Area (Stage 1 and 2): Emery, Carbon, Grand and San Juan counties
- Northeast Area (Stage 1): Daggett, Duchesne, Wasatch, Summit (Stage 2) and Uintah counties
While restrictions will be rescinded in Summit County, Stage 1 restrictions will remain in place within the boundaries of the Park City Fire District and North Summit Fire District.
At 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Stage 2 restrictions will be rescinded in the following areas, although Stage 1 restrictions will remain in effect:
- Wasatch Front Area: Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, Morgan and Tooele counties
- Bear River Area: Weber, Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties
Wildfires aren't just burning Utah land; they're burning budgets:
Restrictions will be dropped in these parks in the southeast:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
The restrictions were first implemented on June 26. Lower temperatures and higher humidity have moderated fire behavior in the area. Campfires and charcoal cooking are now permitted in approved fire pits and grills at "developed recreation sites and picnic areas," officials said.
Although the restrictions will no longer be in place, drought conditions still exist, and people are advised to practice fire safety and follow these guidelines:
- Visitors should always fully extinguish campfires, dispose of cigarettes properly, and remain on established roads and trails to avoid dry vegetation.
- Areas surrounding fire, charcoal, or pressurized-fuel devices should be kept clear of flammable vegetation.
- Carrying a shovel, water, bucket or fire extinguisher while camping on public lands is a good safety precaution.
- Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on federal public lands.
