WILDFIRE

Officials urge Utahns to be “fire smart” this season, observe restrictions

Jul 9, 2021, 11:02 AM | Updated: 1:30 pm

utah fire restrictions map...

Map showing current areas with fire restrictions in place courtesy of utahfire.info.gov

SALT LAKE CITY – Fire danger remains high across Utah, with a number of fire restrictions in place amid record heat. 

Officials say with the ongoing historic drought, starting a wildfire is easier than you might think.

The Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (UWRAP) shows fire danger is moderate to extreme along the Wasatch Front, also in parts of southern and northern Utah.

“South-central and southern parts of our state are extremely dry at this point and have been for a number of weeks,” said Utah State Fire Marshal Coy Porter.

Fire officials: Season on track to break records

The number of human-caused fires is on par to beat previous records. Whether it’s an unattended campfire, a cigarette tossed into dry vegetation, or sparks from a chain, anyone can easily start a wildfire. 

“Any little spark from a chain or the hot undercarriage pieces could certainly start a wildfire,” Porter said. “People don’t recognize how quickly that spreads in those light fuels.” 

Porter adds cooking with charcoal grills can be hazardous. You might think those briquettes you used to cook some burgers or hot dogs cooled down safely, but they can stay hot for days. Many fires begin each year when people toss these still-hot briquettes into dumpsters or trash cans. 

Fire restrictions cover most of Utah

The Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (UWRAP) shows fire danger for Utah, courtesy of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands

Basically the entire state of Utah faces some form of fire restrictions, Porter said. 

“If a person goes on and looks at the restrictions and restricted areas, almost the entire state is red,” he said.

In areas under Stage 1 restriction, open fires are only allowed in public facilities at campgrounds or picnic areas; people can smoke only allowed in designated areas or in vehicles; fireworks are prohibited; no cutting or welding near dry vegetation; and all off-road vehicles must include a functional spark arrestor.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, Utahns cannot light open fires in any setting and all the prohibitions under Stage 1 also apply.

Read more: Find our full coverage of wildfire season on our Utah Firewatch page

More coverage: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Wildfire

texas wildfires...

Associated Press

Wildfire grows into one of largest in Texas history as flames menace multiple small towns

Known as the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest blaze expanded to more than 1,300 square miles and jumped into parts of neighboring Oklahoma.

29 days ago

After starting the new year with poor air quality, Utah may finally be able to take a breath and fi...

Heather Peterson

New black carbon sensor is more portable but just as accurate, study finds

A new study from the University of Utah finds that recently released black carbon new units are just as accurate in detecting black carbon, but they are more portable and affordable.

1 month ago

Cane toads produce poison in large glands perched on their shoulders that's fatal for some animals....

Hilary Whiteman, CNN

This warty, toxic pest threatens entire ecosystems. These scientists have a secret weapon

Originally Published: 19 JAN 24 18:42 ET Updated: 19 JAN 24 21:50 ET Brisbane, Australia (CNN) — On the edge of a dark, suburban park in Brisbane, teams of volunteer toad-catchers gather around Gary King as he shoves another squirming specimen into a cooler box. “Who’s got some more?” asks King, a local leader of […]

2 months ago

When officials arrived at the scene of a housefire in Deweyville in the overnight hours of March 7,...

Curt Gresseth

Firefighters’ chili cook-off raises money for burn camp and survivors

A Utah firefighter and a burn survivor talk about an upcoming chili cook-off to support a burn camp program.

5 months ago

Fire danger is on the rise across the state, thanks to the wind blowing and drying things out. Wind...

Heather Kelly

Health-related issues from wildfire smoke are on the rise

Wildfire smoke is causing health-related issues to increase in certain parts of the United States.

6 months ago

Traffic travels along I-80 in Salt Lake City's Parleys Canyon....

Dan Bammes

Wind prevents Friday prescribed burn in Salt Lake canyons

The burn piles are ready to go, however, and the prescribed burn may begin on Saturday if conditions are right.

6 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Officials urge Utahns to be “fire smart” this season, observe restrictions