Human-caused fires remain major concern

Fire officials are warning that southern Utah is heading into what could be an intense wildfire season as hot, dry conditions continue building across the region.

Firefighters with the Cedar Mountain Fire Protection District work to contain a small wildland fire recently sparked by improperly discarded burn pit materials. Agencies across southern Utah warn of increasing wildfire danger heading into summer. Photo courtesy Cedar Mountain Fire Protection District.

Earlier this month, Utah officials said the state had already recorded roughly 115 wildfire starts in 2026, with more than 84 percent believed to be human-caused.

Across southern Utah, land managers have pointed to dry vegetation, low snowpack, warm temperatures and increasing recreation traffic as concerns heading into the summer months. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place on Bureau of Land Management lands across southwest Utah, including Kane County and surrounding public lands.

So far, Kane County has avoided any major wildfire incidents this season, but officials say conditions can change quickly as temperatures rise and winds increase.

This week, the Cedar Mountain Fire Protection District reported crews responded to a small wildland fire caused by improperly discarded burn pit materials. According to the district, a passerby was able to put water on the fire before crews arrived, helping keep the blaze from spreading further.

Many Utah wildfires are started accidentally by people through dragging trailer chains, vehicles parked in dry grass, escaped campfires, shooting in dry areas, discarded cigarettes and equipment use during windy conditions.

Fire agencies are urging residents and visitors to use caution while camping, towing trailers, operating OHVs and traveling on public lands this summer. Officials also recommend thoroughly drowning, stirring and checking ashes before disposing of any burn materials.