Stage 1 fire restrictions go into place in 3 northern Utah counties

SALT LAKE CITY — Stage 1 fire restrictions will be implemented by state fire management officers for all unincorporated lands, both private and state, for Box Elder, Cache and Weber counties.

The implementations are being put into place due to increasing fire danger. The restrictions go into effect on Friday, July 21 at 12:01 a.m.

Dusty Richards, the Bear River Area Fire Management Officer, says the dry conditions at lower elevations in the northern part of the state have led to an increase in vehicle-caused fires as fire activity increases. 

A news release from the Department of Nature Resources says: “This is primarily due to the healthy growth of cheatgrass, which has benefited from the additional moisture received this year. As the lighter vegetation dries out in the summer heat, it increases the risk of fire and makes it easier to ignite.”

Until the fire danger goes down and the restrictions are lifted, the following acts are prohibited.

• Unless you are within the established public facilities in improved campgrounds or picnic areas, no open fires are allowed. Open fires are allowed if they are in a constructed fire pit at a private residence where water is accessible.
• Smoking, except inside a building, vehicle or trailer. Also must be in a developed recreation site. Or stopped in an area that is either clear of dry vegetation or paved.
• Discharging any type of fireworks or other exploding objects.
• Grinding metal, cutting or welding in areas where the vegetation is dry.
• Using a motorcycle, ATV or chainsaw or any other small internal combustion engine. In order to use such objects, they must have an approved and working spark arrestor. 

Read more:

• Strong winds increasing fire danger in Utah
• The North Tooele Fire District says this year’s fire danger is high

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