As of the May 12, 2026, Town Council minutes, Dan Benson held the role of Public Safety Director for Brian Head. In this capacity, Benson has been responsible for issuing official orders regarding wildfire hazards and public safety measures within the town boundaries.
According to a public safety order issued by Benson, Stage 2 fire restrictions were rescinded effective at 12:01 a.m. on July 20, 2026. This decision was made because moderated fire danger indices and improved weather conditions resulted in a reduced wildfire hazard. However, as of that same order, Stage 1 restrictions remained in effect. These Stage 1 restrictions, which were established by Benson on June 15, 2026, prohibit several activities to prevent the ignition of town, forest, and rangeland fires. These prohibited acts include setting, building, maintaining, or using open fires of any kind, except within designated facilities in improved campgrounds, picnic areas, or home sites where running water is present. Benson's order also prohibits smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building, or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation. Additionally, the use of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or other pyrotechnic devices, including exploding targets, is prohibited under these Stage 1 rules. Benson also prohibited cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation, and the operation of a motorcycle, chainsaw, or ATV without an approved and working spark arrestor.
Residents encounter Benson's regulatory work through official town orders and public safety notices. The Stage 1 restrictions, which Benson established, include exemptions for any on-duty firefighter performing official duties or persons with a permit or waiver specifically authorizing a specified act at a specific location. These restrictions are enforced by law enforcement, and violations are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 according to the town's public safety documentation.
Benson's presence at municipal meetings is also noted in town records. For instance, during the May 12, 2026, Town Council meeting, Benson was listed among the staff present alongside the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and other department heads. During that same meeting, the council discussed various town projects, such as the excavation for the Elk Drive Special Assessment waterline project and the status of the Shuttle stop and Town Hall exterior renovation project. While the council focused on these infrastructure and redevelopment matters, Benson’s role remains tied to the safety and fire regulation of the community's landscape. The town's records from June 9, 2026, also list Benson as a staff member present during the meeting of the Town Council, the Redevelopment Agency, the Special Service District, and the Municipal Building Authority.
What this means for Brian Head
For residents of Brian Head, Dan Benson's role involves managing wildfire risks through official orders. While some restrictions were lifted in July 2026, the continued Stage 1 fire restrictions mean that certain activities, like using open fires or certain motorized equipment, remain prohibited to protect the town and surrounding forestlands.
