Utah, Arizona enact new restrictions amid ‘rapidly increasing fire danger’

ST. GEORGE — New fire restrictions are now in effect in southwest Utah and northwest Arizona as “rapidly increasing fire danger” builds in the region at the start of summer.

Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect across nearly all federal, state and unincorporated private land in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties shortly after midnight on Friday. Fishlake National Forest land in Beaver and Garfield counties is the lone exception.

Related: Utah sees busy start to 2024 wildfire season, draws comparison to record-breaking year

Devices fueled by liquid petroleum can still be used in the affected areas, but campfires and open flames are banned aside from “agency-improved and maintained campgrounds and homesites.” Running water is also required on unincorporated private land, as well as at any cabins or homesites.

Other restrictions include:

• No smoking near vegetation or outside of a developed recreation site, personal vehicle or building.
• No use of exploding targets or tracer ammunition.
• No cutting, grinding or welding in areas of dry vegetation. Acetylene torches are included in this ban.
• No equipment that doesn’t have a properly maintained spark arrestor.
• No discharging of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices outside of any approved incorporated city limit area. Fireworks are also only legally allowed to be discharged July 2-5 and July 22-25.

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