Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, the Bureau of Large Management is implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands in Utah. The restrictions are set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on June 26 and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Specific Fire Prohibitions
The fire prevention order includes several prohibitions to mitigate wildfire risks during the dry season.
Under the Stage 2 restrictions, all open fires of any kind are prohibited. Smoking is also restricted, except when performed within a vehicle or an enclosed area. Additionally, the grinding, cutting, and welding of metal is not permitted.
Rules for Engines and Shooting
The order prohibits the use of any internal combustion engine unless a spark arresting device is properly installed and in effective working order. For those participating in target shooting, the BLM advises checking ammunition for steel content using a magnet, as certain military surplus or foreign-made ammunition may contain steel. Users should also be aware that orange or red painted tips on ammunition may indicate tracer ammunition, which can ignite dry grass upon contact.
Year-Round Explosives Ban
Furthermore, the statewide fire prevention order UT914-25-001 prohibits fireworks, explosives of any kind, and tracer or incendiary ammunition year-round on public lands.
Recommended Wildfire Safety Precautions
To help prevent wildfires, the BLM recommends several safety precautions for the public:
Fully extinguish campfires and avoid building fires when winds reach 15 mph or higher.
Avoid target shooting in hot, dry, and windy conditions.
Select a target shooting backstop that is free of rocks and dry grass to prevent sparks.
Avoid cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas with dry vegetation.
Keep trailer chains lifted above the ground to prevent dragging sparks.
Avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass.
Maintain trailer tires, wheels, and bearings to prevent mechanical failure.
Ensure off-highway vehicle exhaust systems have a securely mounted and qualified spark arrester.
Fully extinguish and properly dispose of cigarettes.
Emergency Contact and Preparedness Info
The public is reminded to use caution when visiting public lands and should be prepared with water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher during the dry summer months. In the event of a fire, individuals should call 911 immediately.
Prevention orders can be found at utahfireinfo.gov or on the Bureau of Land Management website.
