BLM-Utah West Desert District Issues Fire Prevention Order
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West Valley City, Utah—The BLM-Utah West Desert District (WDD) has re-issued a fire prevention order that addresses year-round and seasonal fire restrictions. These restrictions apply to BLM-lands in Salt Lake, Utah, Tooele, Rich and Box Elder Counties.
“With recent record temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, the vegetation in the West Desert is drying out quickly,” said Justin Kincaid, West Desert District Fire Management Officer. “These conditions significantly increase the risk of accidental wildfires in the area.”
Year-round restrictions include: fireworks, exploding targets, tracer and incendiary ammunition, sky lanterns or similar devices, and operating off-highway vehicles without spark arresters. Seasonally, beginning June 15 through September 30, the use of steel-core, steel-jacketed or steel-tipped ammunition is prohibited. A key provision of this order also extends to possession of fireworks and exploding targets, which should be left at home when visiting public lands.
When target shooting, knowing what your ammunition consists of is critical. Orange or red painted tips indicate tracer ammunition. It is not uncommon for military surplus and foreign-made ammunition to contain steel in the bullet jacket, under a thin layer of copper. The bullets may also have steel tips or cores. Packaging may not indicate the presence of steel in the bullet. A simple test with a strong magnet touched to the tip of the bullet can help you determine whether the bullet contains steel.
Kincaid reminds outdoor enthusiasts to always use caution and be prepared when recreating in the West Desert during the dry summer months. He recommends keeping water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher handy.
For more details on the prevention order, contact the West Desert District Office at (801) 977-4300 or go to: http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/salt_lake/recreation/target_shooting.html. This fire prevention order will also be posted on signs where BLM lands are accessed in the five western Utah counties affected.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.