Stage 1 fire restrictions, fireworks ban begin June 6 in Summit County

Fireworks, open fires and other spark-producing activity were barred at 12:01 a.m. Saturday across the unincorporated private and state lands of Summit County, as Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect to reduce the chance of a summer wildfire.

The order did not apply inside incorporated towns or city limits in Summit County. In the restricted areas, residents could use open fire only in approved fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds and in permanently constructed fire pits at private residences. Smoking was also limited to enclosed vehicles, trailers, buildings or developed recreation areas.

The restrictions also banned fireworks, tracer ammunition, pyrotechnic devices and exploding targets. Cutting, welding and grinding in dry vegetation were restricted, and motorcycles, chainsaws, ATVs and similar small internal combustion engines were required to have an approved working spark arrestor.

Summit County law enforcement was assigned to enforce the order. Violations could be charged as a state-law offense carrying up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Utah Fire Info said Summit County fell under the Northeastern Utah restrictions and repeated the same Stage 1 rules, including the spark-arrestor requirement and the ban on fireworks and exploding targets. The agency’s maps and restriction notices were intended to help residents check conditions before heading out for camping, shooting, welding or other outdoor work.

The move came as fire agencies warned of rising summer danger across Utah. KUER reported that Summit County restrictions were paired with a red flag warning for central and southern Utah, where gusty winds and low humidity had created critical fire weather conditions.

Local fire rules were already tightening before Stage 1 began. Summit County’s fire warden said burn permits in unincorporated areas were required beginning June 1, with permits free of charge and valid for three days. Residents were also asked to contact Summit County Dispatch before open burning from April 1 through November 30.

Utah Fire Sense messaging cited by ABC4 said prevention tactics can prevent about 70% of wildfires in Utah, a reminder of why county officials moved early as dry weather, vehicles and outdoor recreation begin to overlap across Summit County’s hills, trails and neighborhoods. Stage 1 remained the first step before the more severe Stage 2 rules, which add a broader ban on open flames.