LOGAN — New fire restrictions are in effect for northern Utah weeks after similar restrictions went into effect for the southern part of the state. The new limitations began Sunday, June 28.

Officials with the Utah Department of Natural Resources announced that all unincorporated Private and State lands will be placed under stage one fire restrictions.

New Cache County Fire Chief Brady George told News Talk KVNU the restrictions come as Cache Valley temperatures have been in the mid 90’s.

“The lack of rain that we’ve had consistently now for a few weeks has led to fuels drying out and it is presenting quite a hazard,” said George. “Those tall grasses that we spend time wondering through as we hike and explore the backcountry present a very real fire danger, not only to the mountainside but also to the homes that live in that wildland urban interface.”

The National Weather Service has already issued several Red Flags Warnings, as dry temperatures and low humidity is forecast to continue.

George said the restrictions apply to all unincorporated private and state lands, while cities and US Forest Service land have their own restrictions.  He explained the restrictions are basic common sense ways to prevent a fire.

“You can’t have fires of any type outside of approved and permanently constructed fire pits in those areas. There can’t be any smoking except in authorized, specific positions. No cutting, welding or grinding metal in those places. If you are going to go explore in an ATV or UTV, we ask that they have a working and intact spark arrestor. Finally, and sadly, based on this time of year, no fireworks, tracer ammunition, or pyrotechnic devices of any kind in those unincorporated areas.”

The restrictions are being enforced by county law enforcement. Violations can result in fines and possible incarceration.

If conditions continue to worsen the state could impose further Stage 2 restrictions.

Source link

Leave a Reply