The Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions on June 4 across all BLM-managed lands in the West Desert District due to rapidly increasing fire danger.
Affected counties and duration
The restrictions apply to several Utah counties, including Box Elder, Cache, Juab, Millard, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber. The order will remain in effect until officially rescinded.
Prohibited items and activities
Under the new fire prevention order, UTW002-2026-01, the BLM prohibits the use of any steel component ammunition of any caliber and any steel component targets. The agency also banned the use of sky lanterns, Chinese lanterns, fire balloons, acetylene balloons, or similar devices.
Off-highway vehicle requirements
Additionally, off-highway vehicles must be equipped with a properly installed and maintained spark arrestor that meets the 80 percent efficiency level standard per Society of Automotive Engineers practices J335 and J350.
District management and geography
The BLM West Desert District manages 7.7 million acres in northwestern Utah, characterized by the Great Basin region's mountain ranges, desert playas, and sagebrush flats. The district includes both the Salt Lake Field Office and the Fillmore Field Office.
Wildfire prevention safety tips
To prevent wildfires, the BLM advises the public to fully extinguish campfires, avoid target shooting in hot or windy conditions, and keep trailer chains lifted above the ground to prevent sparks. The agency also recommends that visitors be prepared with water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher.
