August 13, 2020 Forest Service Fire Restrictions

Microsoft Word - Fire Restrictions News Release

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS TO BEGIN FRIDAY ON
UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST


Salt Lake City, August 12, 2020 – Fire restrictions will be implemented on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest at 12:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2020, for public health and safety and to reduce the potential for human-caused fires.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are
allowed only in developed campgrounds. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, in developed campgrounds, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and
off is allowed in areas that are clear of flammable materials.

Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until significant precipitation is
received.

Visitors are that building and maintaining a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season. Know Before You Go!

-USDA

04-19-458 Fire Restriction Map

Order Number 04-19-458
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
857 WEST SOUTH JORDAN PARKWAY
SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH 84095
SPECIAL ORDER OF FOREST SUPERVIOSR
UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST
FOREST WIDE
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

PROHIBITIONS:
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands described in this Order, within the exterior boundaries of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest beginning Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until September 30, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. or until further notice.

  1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. [36 CFR § 261.52(a)]
  2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. [36 CFR § 261.52(d)]

EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order:

  1. Holders of Forest Service Special Use Authorizations are exempt from restriction #1 above, provided such fires are within a fire structure and they are within their permitted area.
  2. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels.
  3. Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.
  4. Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

PURPOSE:
To reduce the risk of human caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions.


AREA DESCRIBED:
All National Forest System Lands located within the exterior boundaries of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, as shown on the attached map.

IMPLEMENTATION:

  1. This Order will be in effect beginning Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until September 30, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. or until further notice.
  2. Exhibit A, “Definitions,” is attached and incorporated into this order.
  3. Violation of the above prohibition(s) is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual, or $10,000 for an organization and/or imprisonment for not more than 6months. [Title 16 USC § 551, Title 18 USC § 3571(b) (6), Title 18 USC § 3581(b) (7)].
  4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Uinta-Wasatch-CacheNational Forest Supervisors Office, 857 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah(801) 999-2103
  5. This Order supersedes any previous Order(s) prohibiting the same, or similar acts prohibitedby this Order in the areas covered by this Order.


Done at Salt Lake City, Utah this 13th day of August, 2020
___________________________
David C. Whittekiend
Forest Supervisor
Order Number 04-19-458

EXHIBIT A
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

DEFINITIONS:
DESIGNATED AREA: Developed recreation sites such as (campgrounds and picnic areas) that are maintained and administered by the Forest Service, shown on the current Forest visitor maps, and are equipped with a permanent fire structures.


FIRE STRUCTURE: A permanent metal or concrete structure, which is specifically designed for the purpose of containing a campfire or cooking fire that has been installed and maintained by the Forest Service or equivalent.


SPECIAL USE OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION: A written document issued by an authorized officer of the Forest Service to specifically authorize an otherwise prohibited act.


RESTRICTION: A limitation on an activity or use.


STOVE FIRE: A fire built inside a fully enclosed metal stove, grill, or sheep herder type stove, which is outfitted with a chimney that is at least five (5) feet in length and is equipped with a spark arrestor consisting of a mesh screen with a screen opening of ¼ inch or less.

For further definitions or clarification of definitions, refer to [36 CFR § 261.2].