The Bureau of Land Management expanded Stage 1 fire restrictions across all BLM-managed lands in northern Utah beginning June 19, 2026, following a period of rapidly increasing fire danger. The order, announced by the Salt Lake Field Office, implements specific prohibitions on activities that could trigger wildfires during the dry summer months.
Scope of Fire Restrictions
According to an announcement from the Bureau of Land Management released June 18, 2026, the restrictions apply to a wide geographic area covering several northern Utah counties. The Stage 1 order encompasses Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber counties.
The fire prevention order, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 19, remains in place until officially rescinded by the agency. The BLM stated that these measures were enough due to the escalating threat of wildfire in the region.
Prohibited Activities on Public Lands
Under the Stage 1 restrictions, several high-risk activities are strictly prohibited on BLM lands. The order bans the building or maintaining of any open fire or campfires that utilize solid fuels or any type of ash-producing fuel. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except when individuals are within a vehicle or an enclosed area.
The agency also restricted industrial and mechanical tasks that could produce sparks. Specifically, the prohibition includes the grinding, cutting, and welding of metal. Furthermore, the use of any internal combustion engine is forbidden unless a spark arresting device is properly installed and functioning effectively.
Safety Guidance for Target Shooters
The Bureau of Land Management issued specific guidance for target shooters to mitigate the risk of incendiary ammunition. The agency advised visitors to check their ammunition packaging, noting that many products, particularly military surplus and foreign-made varieties, may not clearly indicate if they contain steel components.
To identify potential hazards, the BLM recommended that shooters use a magnet to test for steel. The agency also warned that orange or red painted tips on bullets may signify tracer ammunition, which has the capacity to ignite dry grass upon contact with the ground.
Year-Round Prevention Measures
In conjunction with the Stage 1 restrictions, a statewide fire prevention order, identified as UT914-25-001, remains in effect year-round. This broader order prohibits the use of fireworks and all types of explosives, as well as the use of tracer and incendiary ammunition.
To further prevent wildfires, the BLM provided several preventative measures for the public. These include fully extinguishing campfires, avoiding fires when winds exceed 15 mph, and ensuring that trailer chains are lifted above the ground to prevent them from dragging and creating sparks on the roadway.
Public Preparedness and Agency Mission
The BLM also highlighted mechanical and vehicle-related risks during the summer season. The agency advised motorists to avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass and to maintain tires, wheels, and bearings on trailers to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to fires. Additionally, off-highway vehicle owners were encouraged to check their exhaust systems annually to ensure spark arresters are securely mounted.
As part of its ongoing mission to manage approximately 245 million acres of public land across 12 western states, the BLM reminded the public to remain prepared with water, shovels, and fire extinguishers. The agency emphasized that in the event of a wildfire, individuals should call 911 immediately.
Monitoring Fire Conditions
Information regarding current fire restrictions and prevention orders can be accessed through the Bureau of Land Management's official website or via utahfireinfo.gov. The agency continues to monitor conditions in the Salt Lake Field Office jurisdiction to determine if further restrictions will be necessary.
