The Dixie National Forest has returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions after rescinding Stage 2 restrictions on July 27, 2026, following recent precipitation and a reduction in fire activity. The Forest Service announced the decision after evaluating fuel moisture levels and the availability of firefighting resources.
Shift in Fire Restrictions
The transition back to Stage 1 protocols follows a period of heightened danger that began in late June. According to a July 27 press release from the Dixie National Forest, fire managers made the decision to lift the more stringent Stage 2 restrictions after assessing current vegetation conditions and resource availability.
Despite the reduction in restrictions, forest officials cautioned that fire season remains active across southern Utah and the Western United States. The Forest Service advised visitors to continue checking current conditions before starting campfires, ensuring all fires are fully extinguished when not in use, and never leaving stoves, grills, or fire pits unattended.
Guidelines for Campfires
Under the current Stage 1 fire restrictions, the public is permitted to use campfires only in permanent, metal, or concrete fire pits or grates installed and maintained by the Forest Service at developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds and picnic areas.
Cooking is permitted using liquid or gas-fueled devices, such as stoves or grills, provided they are used in an area barren or cleared of flammable materials within 10 feet of the device. Additionally, fully enclosed metal stoves with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with an opening of one-fourth inch or less may be used in areas cleared of flammable materials within 10 feet.
Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites, or areas that are at least 10 feet in diameter and cleared of flammable materials. For activities such as welding, grinding, or operating torches with an open flame, the area must be cleared of at least 10 feet of flammable material, and a minimum 8-ounce Class 2A chemical pressurized fire extinguisher must be kept with the operator.
Prohibited Activities
Certain activities remain strictly prohibited within the Dixie National Forest. This includes the use of exploding targets, fireworks, pyrotechnics, blasting, explosives, and the firing of tracer bullets or ammunition. Additionally, operating an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrestor device is prohibited.
Forest management officials noted that they will continue to monitor environmental conditions and maintain the authority to reinstate more stringent restrictions if weather patterns change or if fire danger increases.
Road Closures and Safety
While Stage 2 restrictions have been lifted, several areas remain under specific closures to protect public safety during high fire danger conditions. A fire danger closure remains in effect for Oak Grove and Browse Roads within the Pine Valley Ranger District.
This order, originally issued on June 24, 2026, prohibits the use of any motor vehicle on specific restricted roads. These include NFS Road 30032 (Oak Grove Road) from the Oak Grove Road gate in Section 26, Township 40 South, Range 14 West, Salt Lake P.M., to the Oak Grove Campground, and NFS Road 30037 (Browse Road) from the Browse gate in Section 32, Township 39 South, Range 13 West, Salt Lake P.M., to the Browse Guard Station.
This specific restriction is scheduled to remain in effect through January 1, 2027, unless it is rescinded. Violations of these prohibitions can be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months.
Forest Service Oversight
The Dixie National Forest Supervisor's Office, located in Cedar City, manages these restrictions and provides administrative oversight for the region. During the Summer 2026 season, the office maintained specific operating hours, remaining closed on Wednesdays.
The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land and works to support the nation's forest industry and energy needs. In addition to managing its own lands, the agency assists state and private landowners and works with tribes to steward an additional 900 million forested acres across the United States.
Ongoing Monitoring
The management of fire restrictions in the Dixie National Forest is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect soil, water, and vegetation resources from the impacts of recreation and to ensure public safety.
As the fire season continues to be active in the West, officials emphasize the importance of monitoring local alerts. The Forest Service provides updates through its dedicated alerts webpage to inform the public of any changes to restrictions or closures within the forest system.
