The Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District provides fire protection services within the Town of Springdale in accordance with the State Fire Code, according to the town's June 11, 2026, ordinance. This collaboration between the town and the district aims to protect the community from the impacts of wildfires, which include threats to life and health, property damage, economic impacts, and effects on the natural environment.
Because the town is located in a steep walled canyon that encourages canyon winds and complicates wildfire response, the Springdale Town Council has worked with the Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District to map the boundaries of a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Zone. This WUI Zone map was developed using high resolution aerial photography, on the ground field reconnaissance to address site specific conditions, and tools from the Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, which include tools developed by the Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.
Under Ordinance 2026-13, which was adopted by the Springdale Town Council on June 11, 2026, the town also adopted the wildland urban interface code as identified by Utah Code. The Director of Community Development and Building Official, along with their designees, are authorized to enforce these provisions. These regulations apply to all properties located within the WUI zone as shown on the map maintained in the Town's Community Development Department.
Wildfire risk in the area is influenced by several geographical and environmental factors. The town's setting in a steep walled canyon, the presence of highly flammable native species like Utah juniper in the foothill areas, the presence of combustible invasive species such as cheatgrass, and hot and dry summers with frequent dry lightning all contribute to an elevated risk.
To manage these risks, the town has implemented specific prohibitions during high-risk periods. For example, during the 2025 fire season, the town prohibited open fires and the discharge of fireworks from June 1, 2025, through September 15, 2025. This ordinance, known as Ordinance 2025-07, was adopted on May 15, 2025. This ordinance was enacted because the town council and the fire code official determined that hazardous environmental conditions necessitated controlled use of fireworks.
The town's 2025 Fireworks Restriction Map, which was provided to Washington County, indicated that the closure area included SR-9 and all areas of the town on both sides of SR-9. The ordinance noted that all property within the boundaries of the Town of Springdale is considered to have hazardous environmental conditions, including areas covered in brush and dry grass, areas within 200 feet of waterways, trails, canyons, washes, ravines, and areas within the wildland urban interface area.
While the town prohibits the discharge of fireworks and open fires during specific windows, certain exceptions exist. For instance, the use of natural gas, LPG gas, or charcoal briquettes in contained BBQ grills, covered stoves, or devices such as Weber grills or Coleman stoves is not considered an open fire. Additionally, fires in an approved fire pit at an improved campground that complies with specific regulations are also excluded from the open fire prohibition. The town's efforts to mitigate wildfire risk involve both the enforcement of the WUI Code and the seasonal management of ignition sources to preserve the health and prosperity of the community.
What this means for Springdale
For residents, the partnership between Springdale and the Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District means that specific wildfire mitigation strategies and codes apply to properties within the WUI zone. Residents must follow the wildland urban interface code and adhere to seasonal restrictions on open fires and fireworks to help reduce the overall wildfire risk in the canyon.
