The State of Utah has issued a Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order that will go into effect for Uintah and Duchesne Counties at 12:01am on Friday, July 19th. The order states that “due to current and forecasted weather conditions coupled with the extremely dry vegetation conditions in northeastern Utah, the State Forester, in consultation with the county commission of the affected county, has determined that measures must be taken to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires.” This means the following: No open fires of any kind except within established public facilities in improved campgrounds or picnic areas or in permanently constructed fire pits at private homes where running water is present. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, building or developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation. No discharging or using any fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices, including exploding targets. No cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation. And no operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor. These restrictions are in place for all unincorporated private and all state lands within Duchesne County and Uintah County. It does not affect private lands within incorporated towns or city limits. Violations of the order are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 dollar fine.
