Fire restrictions go into effect in Kane County

SALT LAKE CITY — Stage two fire restrictions went into effect in Kane County on Aug. 4. 

In a Facebook post, Kane County wrote that deputies have responded to nearly 40 illegal campfires on Cedar Mountain over the past few days. 

Stage two restrictions prohibit the following actions: 

• Campfires of any kind 
• Smoking, unless you’re in a vehicle or building or on a paved patch 
• Fireworks, pyrotechnics and exploding targets 
• Cutting, welding and grinding in dry vegetation 
• Operating off-road vehicles or mechanical equipment without a spark arrestor 

The post also included information on what is allowed. For example, propane and liquid-fueled camp stoves can be operated, as long as they have a shut-off valve. They must be used on a surface that is clear of vegetation and has a radius of at least three feet. 

“We’re hopeful for rain, but until then, we need everyone to take this danger seriously. This is about protecting lives, homes, and the beauty of our wild landscapes,” the post reads. 

Kane County takes extra steps to prevent wildfire 

Per the Facebook post, the sheriff’s office has placed three electronic signs on Cedar Mountain, advertising the restrictions. 

“Going forward, we will be conducting enforcement blitzes and issuing citations to anyone with an illegal campfire,” the post read. 

Those caught violating the restrictions could get six months of jail time, a fine of as much as $1,000 or both. 

Although Utah Fire Info’s website is not displaying any active wildfires in Kane County, the National Park Service said 85% of wildfires are started by human activity, which includes unattended campfires and inappropriately discarded cigarettes. 

For wildfire updates, visit KSL NewsRadio’s Utah Firewatch page.