This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Drought-like conditions, record-setting heat and the approach of Independence Day and Pioneer Day pyrotechnic celebrations have prompted state and federal officials to issue fire restrictions for southeastern Utah.
In a joint statement Wednesday, the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Utah Interagency Fire Center warned that "current and forecasted weather conditions, coupled with extremely dry conditions and heavy loading of vegetation throughout southeast Utah have created hazardous fire conditions."
As a result, effective Friday all state, BLM and NPS holdings, along with all unincorporated private lands in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties were placed off-limits for campfires outside of permanently constructed cement or metal fire pits in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
Also prohibited was smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved, barren or cleared to mineral soil.
Further, the restrictions forbade metal cutting, welding and grinding activities in areas of dry vegetation as well as using any kind of fireworks, firing steel tipped or cored ammunition, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices, such as exploding targets.
The restrictions will be in place until the fire hazard subsides.
For more detailed information on the closure orders and maps showing the restrictions and affected areas, visit http://www.utahfireinfo.gov
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