Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been ordered in Utah and, as far as the upcoming Independence Day holiday, this means that fireworks are prohibited outside of city limits. The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that this is about being safe and smart. The Sheriff’s Office message is simple: “It has been a very dry summer [and] it’s not worth the risk!” The State of Utah Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order states the following: Due to current and forecasted weather conditions coupled with the record dry vegetation conditions and extreme fire danger throughout Utah, the State Forester has determined that measures must be taken to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires. Therefore, pursuant to Utah State Law, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described below until rescinded by the Utah State Forester: No open fires of any kind except within established facilities in improved campgrounds or day-use areas on public lands OR in permanently constructed fire pits at permanent private dwellings served by pressurized running water; No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation; No cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation; No operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor; No discharging or using fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnics devices including exploding targets. The fire restriction will remain in effect until rescinded. This is on all state lands and all unincorporated private lands within the State of Utah. The order does not affect private lands within incorporated towns or city limits. Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. These restrictions will be enforced [and are] effective at 12:01am on June 28th.
