BLM Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Across Northern Utah Public Lands

June 25, 2026 — In response to escalating fire danger amid dry conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has expanded Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on all BLM-managed lands in northern Utah, effective June 19, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. These restrictions apply to Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber counties.

The measures aim to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during a period of heightened vulnerability. Residents and visitors to public lands in these areas, including regions near Bear Lake in Rich County, are urged to comply strictly with the updated fire prevention order.

Prohibited Activities Under Stage 1 Restrictions

Until further notice, the following activities are prohibited on affected BLM lands:

• Building or maintaining open fires or campfires that use solid fuels or any ash-producing materials.
• Smoking, except inside a vehicle or fully enclosed building.
• Grinding, cutting, or welding of metal.
• Operating internal combustion engines without a properly installed and functioning spark-arresting device.

Important Guidance for Target Shooters

The BLM emphasizes responsible practices for recreational shooting. Ammunition packaging does not always disclose steel content, particularly with military surplus or foreign-made rounds. Users should test bullets with a magnet to identify steel components. Orange or red painted tips often indicate tracer ammunition, which can ignite dry vegetation upon impact.

A separate statewide fire prevention order (UT914-25-001) maintains a year-round prohibition on fireworks, explosives, tracer ammunition, and incendiary ammunition.

Wildfire Prevention Recommendations

All public land users play a critical role in wildfire prevention. The BLM recommends the following precautions:

• Completely extinguish campfires and refrain from building fires when winds reach 15 mph or higher.
• Avoid target shooting during hot, dry, or windy conditions.
• Select target backstops free of rocks and dry grass to minimize spark generation.
• Refrain from cutting, welding, or grinding metal near dry vegetation.
• Keep trailer chains elevated to prevent dragging and sparking.
• Avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass.
• Regularly maintain trailer tires, wheels, and bearings to avoid mechanical failures that could ignite fires.
• Inspect off-highway vehicle (OHV) exhaust systems annually to ensure spark arresters are secure and compliant.
• Fully extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly.

Resources and Emergency Information

Current BLM fire prevention orders and updates are available on the official BLM website at Utah - Fire Restrictions and through utahfireinfo.gov. Visitors are encouraged to carry water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher when recreating on public lands during the dry summer months.

In the event of a wildfire, contact emergency services immediately by calling 911.

For additional questions regarding these restrictions, please call the BLM at 801-320-8255.

Protecting Northern Utah’s Public Lands

These temporary restrictions reflect the BLM’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities across northern Utah. By exercising caution and adhering to these guidelines, the public can help prevent devastating wildfires and preserve the region’s landscapes for future enjoyment.

This article is based on the official BLM announcement dated June 18, 2026. Conditions may change; always verify the latest restrictions before visiting public lands.