Utah Officially Enters Annual Fire Season, Closure to Open Burning
Salt Lake City, Utah – May 31 is the official start to Utah’s wildfire season and marks the end of the open burning season. Fire danger will increase as warmer and drier weather accompanies the summer season. So far, tests are showing that despite the above normal precipitation in recent months, our snowpack is rapidly fading and grasses in some areas are already beginning to dry out. This drying trend will continue as the season progresses.
As of today, June 1, open burning is prohibited without a permit (for permit information, visit ffsl.utah.gov). The closed fire season does not impact campfires or backyard fireplaces in areas where they are normally allowed; however, caution is advised with any burning. Check with local authorities for campfire restrictions. Fire danger may increase to levels requiring fire restrictions in certain areas as the season progresses depending on conditions.
As the summer recreation season gets underway, fire managers from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs are promoting the fire prevention message, One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire, in order to reduce the number of human caused wildfires throughout the state.
For more information about wildfire prevention, fire restrictions, safety tips and resources for preparing homes and property for wildfire, visit www.utahfireinfo.gov. Follow Utah’s wildland fire agencies @UtahWildfire and @UtahFFSL.
