Fire Restriction Order issued for BLM-managed lands in northeastern Utah
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Vernal and Price, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Green River District has issued a fire restriction order that addresses seasonal and year-round fire restrictions. These restrictions apply to BLM-managed lands within the counties of Uintah, Duchesne, Daggett, Emery, and Carbon.
“Northeastern Utah has experienced a very dry spring and early summer,” said Chris Deets, Green River District Fire Management Officer. “Thick unburnt fuel combined with this year’s vegetation drying faster than normal has significantly increased the risk of wildfires.”
Human caused fires have accounted for over 80% of wildfires in 2020. The residual accumulation of fine fuels from 2019 coupled with drought conditions over much of Utah have culminated in a potential for increased fire activity.
Preventable human caused fires create an increased workload on local, state, and federal wildland suppression programs, as well stress budgets for fighting wildland fires.
The following restrictions will remain in place until rescinded by the BLM Green River District Manager:
- No campfires, except in permanently constructed cement or metal fire pits provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
- No use or discharge of any kinds of fireworks, explosives, incendiary or chemical devices, pyrotechnic devices, exploding targets or the use of steel core/jacketed ammunition.
- No operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
- No cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of vegetation.
The BLM also recommends that those recreating should always carry a shovel, extra water, or fire extinguisher and be aware of the fuels conditions where they are recreating.
The prevention order is posted to blm.gov, utahfireinfo.gov, and on signs where BLM-managed lands are accessed in the 5 counties affected. The public is reminded to use caution and be prepared to prevent wildfires when visiting public lands. Please keep water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher handy during the dry summer months.
For more details on the prevention order, contact the Green River District Office 435-781-2746 Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.