Cache County transitioned from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at midnight on Saturday, Sept. 5. The reduction in restrictions follows improving fire conditions in the valley, according to a report by The Herald Journal.
While the move to Stage 1 represents a change from the Stage 2 restrictions that have been in place since the end of June, the Cache County Fire Department stated that reduced restrictions do not mean fire restrictions are eliminated because the risk of wildfire remains.
Under the Stage 1 fire restrictions, the use of propane stoves, gas grills, griddles, and propane fire pits is permitted. Campfires are allowed in recreation sites and in permanently constructed fire pits at private residences, provided a pressurized water system is present.
Several activities remain prohibited under the reduced restrictions. These include the use of fireworks, smoking in dry vegetation, using tracer ammunition, using exploding targets, and setting off other pyrotechnic devices. Residents are also prohibited from dumping hot ashes or charcoal briquettes, operating equipment without an approved spark arrestor, parking equipment in dry grass, and cutting, welding, or grinding metal in dry vegetation.
Cache County Fire Chief Brady L. George encouraged residents and visitors to verify requirements for specific areas because restrictions can vary by agency and location. The chief noted that the goal of maintaining Stage 1 restrictions is to prevent human-caused wildfires.
Most of Utah remains under Stage 1 or 2 fire restrictions, with surrounding counties such as Box Elder and Rich remaining at Stage 2.
