On June 2, fire restrictions were put in place for much of public land in southeastern Utah, due to hazardous fire conditions due to prolonged drought and extremely dry vegetation.
A total campfire ban, including in developed campgrounds, will be in place on Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, State of Utah and unincorporated private lands in the Grand and San Juan county areas. The U.S. Drought Monitor currently lists almost all of San Juan County as in extreme drought. Most of Grand County remains in severe drought status. The U.S. Forest Service’s restrictions carry into Colorado’s Mesa and Montrose counties, too.
The restrictions will also include bans on smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site or roads that are away from any vegetation. Metal cutting and welding are also banned from vegetation areas.
While all campfires are banned, campers can still use propane gas-fueled devices with a shut-off valve in areas at least 3 feet away from vegetation.
Maps and specific information about the restrictions can be found at utahfireinfo.gov/fire-restrictions.
