Overview of Summit County's wildfire hazard potential as of June 15. Photo: Utah DNR.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County officials raised the area’s fire danger level to Moderate on June 12, with Stage 1 Fire Restrictions now in effect for all state and unincorporated lands in the county.

The restrictions, which took effect June 6 under an order issued by the Utah State Forester in consultation with the Summit County Council, were put in place due to elevated wildfire risk in northeastern Utah. The order applies to all state land and unincorporated areas of Summit County and remains in effect until rescinded by the state forester.

“Due to risk of wildfire in the Northeast area of Utah, the State Forester, in consultation with the Summit County Council has determined that measures must be taken to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires,” the order said.

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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 is prohibited 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 is banned. Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation is also prohibited. Motorcycles, chainsaws, ATVs and other small internal combustion engine vehicles must be equipped with 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.

Residents can sign up for fire outlook updates, Red Flag Warnings and current fire conditions by texting SCFIRE to 91896.