BLM imposes fire restrictions across Kane County

Federal land managers have imposed new fire restrictions across southern Utah, including Kane County, as officials warn of increasing wildfire danger heading into the summer recreation season.

The Bureau of Land Management announced that Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect May 22 on BLM-managed lands in southwest Utah, including Kane, Washington, Iron, Garfield and Beaver counties. The agency cited “rapidly increasing fire danger” across the region.

Under the restrictions, campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited outside developed campgrounds and recreation sites with approved fire structures. Smoking is restricted in areas with dry vegetation, and activities such as welding, grinding and the use of exploding targets are also prohibited on affected public lands. Portable gas stoves and lanterns with shutoff valves are generally allowed under Stage 1 restrictions.

The restrictions arrived ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend and summer tourism season, when public lands surrounding Kanab, Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument typically see increased camping, OHV and recreational use.

BLM officials said human-caused fires remain one of the leading causes of wildfires in Utah and said the restrictions are intended to reduce preventable ignitions during periods of elevated fire risk.

Separate restrictions and regulations may also apply on National Park Service, state and U.S. Forest Service lands. Zion National Park also announced new fire restrictions this week because of increasing wildfire concerns in southwest Utah.

Violations of fire restrictions can carry fines and possible criminal penalties. Current restriction maps and additional information are available through Utah BLM and Utah Fire Info resources.