- Utah reduces fire restrictions on state and federal lands to Stage 1 before Labor Day weekend.
- Officials urge caution despite reduced restrictions and recent monsoonal moisture.
- Other safety reminders include flash flood awareness and wearing protective gear when recreating.
SALT LAKE CITY — State and federal land managers are reducing fire restrictions before the Labor Day weekend, but they stress that people should remain cautious with anything that can start a fire outdoors, despite recent monsoonal moisture.
Stage 2 fire restrictions on federal, state land and privately-owned land in unincorporated areas were lowered back down to Stage 1 on Thursday, according to an order signed Wednesday evening. The most significant change is that it allows for fires in permanent metal or concrete fire pits in those areas.
Most of Utah had moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions at the beginning of August, shortly after Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency over escalating wildfires.
Fire activity has slowed down somewhat, and storms this week have provided much-needed moisture for the drought-stricken state. Still, Kayli Guild, fire prevention and communications coordinator for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, warns that it's going to take many more storms before fire potential lowers enough to drop the remaining restrictions.
Close to 900 different fires, which have burned 163,465 acres, and there are seven active larger fire events, as of Wednesday afternoon.
"(These storms are) honestly a drop in a bucket compared to where we honestly need to be this time of year," she said, as she stood by the burn scar of the Widemouth Fire in Millard County, calling into an online press briefing on Wednesday. "We're still quite dry, and we're going to need a lot more moisture to get us even again."
Monsoonal storms, which are possible at times this week and next week, add other potential challenges, including new fires caused by lightning. Yet, human activities still account for at least two-thirds of this year's fire starts.
That's why she urges people planning to recreate for the busy holiday weekend to follow active restrictions and fire prevention techniques.
"Just because we're coming out of Stage 2, where we're not going to have any fires allowed, this Stage 1 definitely reverts back to (a reminder) that we still need to be super careful," Guild added. "We just need to be mindful of what we're doing and where we're putting fire on the ground."
Stage 1 fire restrictions
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire is prohibited unless it's located within a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites, or is in a device fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off, or is within a fully enclosed metal stove within an approved mesh screen spark arrestor.
- Smoking is only permitted in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter away from vegetation or other flammable materials.
- Welding, operating acetylene or any torch with open flame is prohibited, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter. An approved chemical pressurized fire extinguisher must also be kept with the operator.
- The use of any explosives is also prohibited.
Other safety reminders for the holiday weekend
Labor Day weekend is often one of the busiest times for outdoor recreation, as it marks the unofficial end to summer, said Austin Isbell, spokesman for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Yet, fires aren't the only safety concern that state outdoor officials are thinking about.
Monsoonal moisture could lead to flash flooding, especially near burn scars and in slot canyons, as well as rough conditions at reservoirs. The agency advises people to plan accordingly by checking the weather forecast before entering prone areas. Having plenty of water and salty snacks to replace electrolytes are also essential to avoid heat illnesses when it's not raining.
Life jackets are also important, says Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Capt. Chase Pili. Ten people have drowned at outdoor recreation areas this year, and he said nine of them were likely preventable with a life jacket.
"That's a decision you don't get a second chance to fix," he said.
Division officials also urge people to wear helmets, including while riding all-terrain vehicles or other motorized recreation vehicles. Riders under 18 are required by law to wear helmets.
DUI-related all-terrain vehicle cases have been on the rise, Pili said, and that's something the state is looking to crack down on. The same applies to boating, which carries the same penalties as a DUI.
"Your safety is your responsibility and it starts with your preparedness," he said. "We want you to create memories and not a preventable incident."
