The Town of Tropic has issued a Stage 2 Fire Restriction Order effective as of 12:01 A.M. on June 26, 2026. The restriction applies to the entire incorporated Town of Tropic boundaries.
Reason for new restrictions
According to Ordinance No. 2026-1, the order was established due to extremely dry conditions and forecasted weather patterns that necessitate measures to prevent the ignition of rangeland and forest fires.
Prohibited activities and fire types
Under the Stage 2 restrictions, several activities are prohibited within the specified area. The town has prohibited building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire or campfire, which includes charcoal grills, pellet grills, and any fuel that produces ash.
Additional prohibited actions listed
Other prohibited acts include:
Smoking, unless inside an enclosed vehicle, camp trailer, or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in a paved area free from dry vegetation.
The use or discharge of fireworks and tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices, such as exploding targets.
Cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas containing dry vegetation.
Operating motorcycles, ATVs, chainsaws, or other small internal combustion engines that lack an approved and working spark arrestor.
Permitted exceptions and waivers
Certain exceptions are permitted under the Stage 2 order. Specifically, persons with a permit or waiver issued by the fire chief may be authorized for specified acts at specific locations, though such waivers do not relieve permittees of liability if a fire occurs.
Exemptions for firefighters and equipment
Additionally, any on-duty firefighter performing official duties is exempt. The use of pressurized fuel devices, such as lanterns, grills, or stoves using gas, pellets, or pressurized liquid, is allowed provided they include shutoff valves and are used in an area at least three feet away from flammable materials like weeds, brush, pine needles, or grasses.
Water system requirements
A pressurized water system must be in place for the entire incorporated Town of Tropic boundaries, including campgrounds, as well as on private and unincorporated state lands.
Violations of this fire restriction order are punishable by law according to the Town of Tropic ordinance.
