A state fire restriction order is now officially in place as of Thursday and citizens are encouraged to become educated on what all that means. Under Utah State law the following acts are prohibited in all unincorporated private and state lands within Duchesne and Uintah Counties: 1. Setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fires of any kind except within the facilities designated for them in improved campgrounds, picnic areas or home sites where running water is present. 2. 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. 3. Discharging or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including exploding targets. 4. Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation and 5. Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor. Any violation is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 dollars. Uintah County Sheriff Vance Norton says fireworks is a concern to all and everyone needs to be especially cautious. Sheriff Norton encourages all to follow restrictions and be careful.
