Fire restrictions going into place statewide

SALT LAKE CITY — Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in place for most state, federal, and unincorporated lands in Utah because of the increased fire danger.

“During stage 1 fire restrictions … campfires or open fires, they’re not allowed outside of approved camp groups or your home unit with running water,” said Kayli Guild, prevention and communications coordinator with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.

It also means no fireworks, smoking, or anything else that could spark a wildfire, with these hot, dry conditions.

“Our forests and rangelands at all elevations are drying out quickly, making it easier for wildfires to ignite and spread—especially on windy days,” Brett Ostler, state fire management officer with the FFSL, said in a press release.

The statewide restrictions mirror what federal agencies are doing. Federal land managers have enacted fire restrictions on all Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service-managed public lands, and all Forest Service lands in Utah, except for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Ashley and Sawtooth National Forests.

Zion National Park’s Watchman campground has increased fire restrictions. Their stage 2 restrictions mean open fires of any kind in the park in general are prohibited.

Salt Lake County provided an interactive map to outline fire restrictions within its boundaries:

Stage 1 fire restrictions go into effect on Saturday. There are places this does not apply to, including private lands within incorporated towns or city limits.

Violating the fire restrictions is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 

Related: Draper City to reopen trail that was closed by wildfire