A wildfire in Washington County burned a total of 40 acres. Photo: Courtesy of Utah Fire Info

Officials warn a single spark could ignite a dangerous wildfire as Summit County's fire danger reaches its highest level of the season

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Wildland fire danger in Summit County has escalated to extreme, the North Summit Fire District said, as hot temperatures, dry fuels, low humidity and shifting weather conditions create an environment where a single spark could quickly become a dangerous wildfire.

The escalation comes just over a week after officials raised the county’s fire danger level to moderate on June 12, alongside Stage 1 fire restrictions that took effect June 6 under an order from the Utah State Forester.

Stage 1 restrictions remain in effect under the elevated danger level for all state and unincorporated lands in the county, including Coalville City and Henefer Town.

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Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited:

– Open fires of any kind, except within established facilities in improved campgrounds, picnic areas or in permanently constructed fire pits at private residences with running water present.
– Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area that is paved or clear of dry vegetation.
– The use or discharge of fireworks, tracer ammunition, exploding targets or other pyrotechnic devices.
– Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation.
– Operating motorcycles, chainsaws, ATVs and other small internal combustion engine vehicles without an approved and working spark arrestor.

The restrictions are authorized under Utah state law, Sections 65A-8-212 and 15A-5-202.5. Violations are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. County law enforcement will enforce the order.

The North Summit Fire District said the restrictions are intended to protect communities, homes, forests and firefighters during the high-risk period.

Residents can sign up for fire outlook updates, red flag warnings and current fire conditions by texting “SCFIRE” to 91896.