Wasatch County has adopted stage 2 fire restrictions in unincorporated areas due to forecasted weather conditions causing an increased risk of wildfires, according to a statement released August 29. These restrictions do not affect private lands within incorporated towns or city limits.
Under the new restrictions, building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited. This includes charcoal grills, barbecues, and wood-burning stoves at homes or in developed camping and picnic grounds. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building, or in a developed recreation site or on paved areas free from dry vegetation. Additionally, discharging fireworks or pyrotechnic devices is prohibited, as is cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas with dry vegetation. Operating motorcycles, chainsaws, or ATVs without a working spark arrestor is also restricted.
Exemptions include the use of pellet, pressurized liquid, or gas stoves and grills when used at least three feet from flammable material. Persons with a specific permit or waiver from the Division, as well as on-duty firefighters, are also exempt from these prohibitions.
In other news, Wasatch County has adopted a comprehensive update to its 2026 General Plan following a yearlong community-driven process. The plan serves as a foundation for future land use decisions, including master plans and development regulations. The update process, which began in March 2025, included input from a citizen advisory committee and hundreds of participants through surveys and public meetings.
Wasatch County also recognized Trail Planner Don Taylor for his years of service in planning and maintaining trails throughout Wasatch County and the state of Utah. The county has also partnered with the Wasatch Trails Foundation to create a list of top trails for hiking and mountain biking ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.
Other recent updates include the announcement of the first Citizens Academy to educate residents on local government functions and the announcement of the Provo River Days festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at locations including Vivian Park, Deer Creek Reservoir, and Wasatch Mountain State Park.
