Stage One Fire Restrictions have been implemented for unincorporated areas of Utah County following an order from the State Forester. The restrictions aim to ensure public safety in unincorporated lands located along the Lake Mountains Range.
Scope of fire restrictions
While these orders affect surrounding unincorporated areas, they do not apply to private property within incorporated city limits, such as Saratoga Springs.
Prohibited activities and fire use
Under the Stage One restrictions, several activities are prohibited in unincorporated Utah County. Open fires are disallowed except for use in approved fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds and day-use areas that have pressurized running water, or in permanently constructed fire pits at private residences with a pressurized water system.
Smoking and fireworks regulations
Smoking is restricted to inside enclosed vehicles, trailers, or buildings, or within developed recreation sites and areas that are paved or free of dry vegetation. The order also prohibits the use of fireworks or pyrotechnics, including tracer ammunition, exploding targets, and other pyrotechnic devices.
Equipment and engine usage rules
Additional prohibitions include cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas with dry vegetation. Furthermore, the operation of motorcycles, ATVs, chainsaws, or other small combustion engines is prohibited unless they are equipped with an approved and functioning spark arrestor.
Target shooting and ammunition bans
Additional target shooting restrictions have been issued, which prohibit the use of any steel component ammunition of any caliber as well as any steel component targets. Officials encourage target shooters to use the free county range located south of the City at Soldier Pass.
Legal responsibilities for shooters
It is illegal to discharge a weapon within Saratoga Springs city limits, and it remains the responsibility of target shooters to ensure they are outside of these limits.
Violations of these restrictions are enforced by Utah County law enforcement and are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail. Exemptions to these rules exist for on-duty firefighters and authorized permit holders.
