BLM-Utah West Desert District Issues Fire Prevention Order
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah—The BLM-Utah West Desert District (WDD) has re-issued a fire prevention order that addresses year-round and seasonal fire restrictions. These restrictions apply to BLM-lands in Salt Lake, Utah, Tooele, Rich, and Box Elder Counties.
“Due to the fact that it has been one of the warmest springs on record and a relatively dry winter, there is the potential for having a very active wildfire season in Utah, said West Desert Fire Management Officer Justin Kincaid. “We have seen a recent increase in wildfire activity across the entire West Desert District.”
Year-round restrictions include fireworks, exploding targets, tracer and incendiary ammunition, sky lanterns or similar devices, and operating off-highway vehicles without spark arresters. Seasonally, beginning June 15 through September 30, the use of steel-core, steel-jacketed or steel-tipped ammunition is prohibited. A key provision of this order also extends to possession of fireworks and exploding targets, which should be left at home when visiting public lands.
When target shooting, knowing what your ammunition consists of is critical. Orange or red painted tips indicate tracer ammunition. It is not uncommon for military surplus and foreign-made ammunition to contain steel in the bullet jacket, under a thin layer of copper. The bullets may also have steel tips or cores. Packaging may not indicate the presence of steel in the bullet. A simple test with a strong magnet touched to the tip of the bullet can help you determine whether the bullet contains steel.
As in years past, Kincaid recommends that special care be taken when engaging in activities on public lands in Utah. He recommends keeping water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher handy.
For more details on the prevention order, contact the West Desert District Office at (801) 977-4300. This fire prevention order is also posted on signs where BLM lands are accessed in the five western Utah counties affected. It can also be viewed online at: https://go.usa.gov/xQsQ8.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (DD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.