'Rapidly increasing fire danger' leads to new restrictions in Utah

ST. GEORGE — New fire restrictions are now in effect in southwest Utah and northwest Arizona as “fire danger rapidly increases” in the region as summer begins .

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

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

Liquid petroleum-powered devices can still be used in affected areas, but campfires and open flames are prohibited outside of “campgrounds and residential sites improved and maintained by the agency.” Running water is also required on unincorporated private land, as well as on cottages or home sites.

Other restrictions include:

• No smoking near vegetation or outside a developed recreational site, a personal vehicle or a building.
• No use of explosive targets or tracer munitions.
• No cutting, grinding or welding in areas of dry vegetation. Acetylene torches are included in this ban.
• No equipment that does not have a properly maintained spark arrestor.
• Prohibition on throwing fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices outside of any city-approved area. Fireworks are also only legally allowed to be set off July 2-5 and July 22-25.

Find the full story at KSL.com