Fire restrictions implemented across southwest Utah and northern Arizona
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Due to extreme drought, record low precipitation levels, higher than usual visitor numbers and high fire danger, Color Country Interagency Fire Managers are implementing fire restrictions beginning Wednesday, May 26 at 12:01 a.m. on the Arizona Strip and all unincorporated county, state and federally administered public lands in the following Utah counties: Washington, Kane, Garfield, Iron, and Beaver (excluding Fishlake National Forest, Beaver Ranger District).
Firefighters are responding to increasing numbers of human caused wildfires across the region and weather forecasting models continue to predict drier conditions with increasing fire danger and above normal potential for large fires for the next few months, according to Bureau of Land Management Color Country Fire Management Officer Josh Tibbetts.
“We are responding to more vehicle related fires this year because of cheatgrass coupled with dry conditions at lower elevations,” said Tibbetts.
With increased public recreation occurring and potential for human caused fires, the following acts are prohibited until fire danger decreases and fire restrictions are rescinded.
- No campfires or open fires outside of agency improved and maintained campgrounds and home sites in southwest Utah. Running water is required on cabins or homesites on unincorporated private land. Devices fueled by liquid petroleum are allowed.
- No discharging of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices outside of incorporated city limits (city specific restrictions may apply).
- No shooting of exploding targets or tracer ammunition.
- No cutting, grinding, or welding of metal in areas of dry vegetation. This includes acetylene torches.
- No use of equipment without a working and properly maintained spark arrestor (if required).
- No smoking near vegetation or outside of a developed recreation site, personal vehicle or building.
- No campfires are allowed in Zion National Park, including Lava Point.
- Campfires are allowed at Glen Canyon in established campgrounds within established rings and below the water line only, in areas completely void of vegetation.
Be aware that fire restrictions will be slightly different among agencies and these restrictions DO NOT apply to incorporated cities. 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 wildlandfire.az.gov.
Please Note: Fire conditions are extreme for the time of year. Please ensure your campfire is completely out before you leave and all ignition sources are a safe distance away from vegetation to prevent unwanted wildfires.
For more information on preventing unwanted human caused wildfires, visit www.utahfireinfo.gov and wildlandfire.az.gov or on Twitter @UtahWildfire.
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.