The fall burn window for Duchesne County is scheduled to open on Sept. 15, following a period of seasonal restrictions. Residents must adhere to specific clearing index requirements and permit regulations to engage in open burning during the autumn season.
Seasonal Burning Requirements
According to state guidelines, the fall burning window for attainment areas runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31, provided the clearing index remains above 500. For nonattainment and maintenance areas, the window also runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31, but requires a clearing index of 500 as well.
Permit Costs and Applications
In unincorporated areas of the county, residents must submit an application for a Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands burn permit between June 1 and Oct. 31. General open burn permits for yard waste, tree trimmings, or tree trunks cost $10.00 for a 30-day period, while agricultural burn permits cost $20.00 for two calendar years.
Authority to Restrict Fires
The Duchesne County Fire Warden and the County Emergency Management Director hold the authority to implement fire restrictions if conditions indicate a fire danger exists. Under county ordinances, the fire warden may impose a total fire ban on all open fires, including campfires in established pits and fence lines on cultivated lands, canals, or irrigation ditches.
Enforcement and Penalties
Even when restrictions are not in place, the county fire warden, county sheriff, or law enforcement officers may refuse, revoke, postpone, or cancel permits if deemed necessary for public safety. Violating the terms of an authorized burning permit or setting a fire without a permit in a restricted area is a class B misdemeanor.
Emergency Management Oversight
The Duchesne County Department of Emergency Management provides seasonal guidelines for spring and fall cleaning and burning. The office is responsible for coordinating county fire services and partnering with State Sovereign Lands and Forestry regarding wildland fires.
