LOGAN — New fire restrictions are being imposed for Utah as forecasted weather conditions and record dry vegetation continues to plague the area. The new Stage 2 Order from the State Forester went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 1 as the fire danger remains extreme.
Cache County Fire Chief Brady George said the restrictions further prohibit the use of fires on all state lands and unincorporated private lands.
“Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire is prohibited, including charcoal grills, pellet grills, or ash-producing fuel,” explained George. “Properly shielded gas or liquid fueled portable camp stoves with a shut-off valve are allowed, so long as they is at least three feet in diameter of clearance between the source and flammable vegetation.”
The new limitations are in addition to restrictions that were first issued in June. That order already prohibits smoking outside of vehicles or buildings. Also, no cutting, welding, or grinding in dry vegetation. And no operating of equipment like motorcycles, chain saws, ATV’s, and internal combustion engines that can throw off sparks or have heat on the manifold, without a working spark arrester.
George expects the new order to remain in effect through the rest of the summer. He said a number of things are continuing to keep the risk of forest fires elevated in the area.
“The biggest one is this continued heatwave that we’re going through with little to no moisture. More than anything else, it’s the impact that has on the fuels that are already there. As they continue to dry out, even what we call ‘thousand hour fuels’ like logs and trees, as they dry out they release resin and things that are far more flammable than even just the lite, flashy grasses that are all around us.”
The restrictions are being enforced by state and county law enforcement. Violations can be punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up $1,000.
George said firefighters have seen several fires in the past few weeks that have spread rapidly because of the dry conditions. He hopes the community will continue to be mindful of how easy it is for a blaze to start.
“Our biggest goal is to reduce those incidences of human-caused fires. So, being conscientious of what we do in the outdoors is a really big deal. Making sure that if we are pulling a trailer or doing anything with our vehicles, that they are well maintained. That we don’t have chains dragging behind us. If we are using small motorized vehicles in those wilderness areas that they have good working spark arrestors and are well maintained. Finally, we have plenty of water with us, both for ourselves and in case there is a small emergency.”
If conditions continue to worsen the state could impose further Stage 3 restrictions.