By Jennifer Plecki, Dixie National Forest
Due to extreme fire danger conditions and increased human caused wildfires in southwest Utah the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests are implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 26, at 12:01 a.m. The public and visitors to the area should be mindful that these new fire restrictions will limit certain activities.These restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded, which typically occurs after significant and widespread moisture arrives and fire danger levels subside.
Firefighters are responding to increasing numbers of human caused wildfires across the area and weather forecasting models continue to predict drier conditions with continuing high fire danger and above normal potential for large fires for the foreseeable future, according to Dixie National Forest Fire Management Officer Kevin Greenhalgh.
“We are responding to more reports of abandoned campfires that coupled with extremely dry conditions at all elevations could lead to large, challenging fires that threaten communities and public and firefighter safety, similar to what was seen with the Cottonwood fire on the Fishlake National Forest,” said Greenhalgh.
With increased public recreation occurring and potential for human caused fires, the following acts are prohibited on the lands described below until fire danger decreases and fire restrictions are rescinded.
- Dixie National Forest (Pine Valley, Cedar City, Powell and Escalante Ranger Districts).
- Fishlake National Forest (Fillmore, Fremont River, Beaver and Richfield Ranger Districts).
Restrictions:
In Stage 2 fire restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands unless otherwise noted.
1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire (including fires or grills fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is:
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- A device (stove, grill, or firepit) solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off, used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.
The following acts are prohibited from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00PM:
3. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting capable of igniting a fire.
4. Welding, grinding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off designated National Forest System roads, motorized trails, or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.
The following are always prohibited on National Forest Land, regardless of this order:
- Possessing or using an exploding target or any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
- Blasting of any type or use of any type of explosive.
- Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with USDA Forest
Service Standard 5100-1
Be aware that fire restrictions will be slightly different among agencies and these restrictions DO NOT apply to incorporated cities. Please contact the local city fire department for specific information for those towns and cities. Also please check the specific fire restrictions with the respective land management agency before visiting.
Agency specific restrictions and reference maps are posted on Utahfireinfo.gov and agency websites.
