The Washington County Commission declared a local state of emergency on June 2 due to severe drought and elevated wildfire risk. The declaration aims to streamline response efforts as fire activity surges ahead of a typical fire season.
The proclamation follows a state of emergency declared by Governor Spencer Cox last month regarding the impacts of the ongoing drought. This local action supports Stage 1 fire restrictions that were enacted in unincorporated areas on May 22. The declaration allows the county to access resources more quickly, authorize emergency spending, and coordinate with state and federal agencies if conditions worsen.
Jason Bradley, director of Washington County Emergency Services, described the move as a strategic preparedness best practice due to extreme drought conditions. Bradley noted that most recent fires have been human-caused, citing activities such as grinding, welding, freeway blowouts, and dragging chains as primary ignition sources. He also mentioned that recent fires near New Harmony were quickly contained through rapid response and aircraft support.
As of June 4, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that all of Utah is experiencing some level of drought. In Washington County, more than 80% of the area is in severe drought, while nearly 60% of Utah is in a state of exceptional drought. Commissioner Victor Iverson noted that the county was approximately a month ahead of its normal fire season, with multiple small fires occurring daily.
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit several activities, including campfires or open flames outside approved campgrounds or homesites with running water, fireworks outside city limits or on public lands, and the use of equipment without an approved spark arrestor. Other prohibited activities include shooting exploding targets or tracer ammunition, metal cutting, grinding, or welding in dry vegetation, and smoking near dry vegetation outside developed recreation areas, vehicles, or buildings.
County officials emphasized that public cooperation is critical for safety. Residents are urged to carry water, a shovel, or a fire extinguisher when traveling or camping, avoid parking on dry vegetation, and immediately report smoke or fires to 911.
