High Fire Danger Prompts Fire Restrictions in Southeastern Utah
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Current and forecasted weather coupled with extremely dry vegetation throughout southeastern Utah have created hazardous fire conditions. As a result, on Friday, May 25, 2018, all State, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service and National Park Service lands and all unincorporated private lands in the following areas are under fire restrictions:
- State lands and unincorporated private lands in Grand and San Juan counties.
- BLM Moab and Monticello Field Office areas located in Grand and San Juan counties.
- NPS including Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments.
- USFS Moab and Monticello Ranger Districts of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, areas within Grand and San Juan counties.
The restrictions will be in place until the fire hazard subsides. Maps and more specific information about the fire restrictions may be found on the interagency Utah Fire Info website.
The restriction orders are specific to each agency and may contain different stipulations, but all the orders have the following prohibited acts in common:
- No campfires, except in permanently constructed cement or metal fire pits provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
- No 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.
- Metal cutting, welding and grinding activities in areas of dry vegetation as well as discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, firing steel tipped/core ammunition, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including exploding targets are prohibited without prior written authorization and special permits.
Everyone can help by heeding these restrictions and practicing fire safety when camping and recreating outdoors. Completely extinguish campfires, dispose of cigarettes properly, stay on established roads and trails to avoid dry brush and grass, and ensure trailer chains don’t drag or create sparks. Being fire-wise helps prevent wildfires, keep families safe, and reduces unnecessary risk to fire fighters.
For more information about fire restrictions, wildfires, fire prevention, and fuels treatment projects, please visit www.utahfireinfo.gov.
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.