The entire report may be viewed or obtained on the Utah Public Notice Website, on the State Results Website, on the Washington County Website, or at the Washington County Clerk/Auditor’s Office at 111 East Tabernacle Street, St. George, UT 84770.
Ordinance 2026-12 An Ordinance Prohibiting Open Fires and the Discharge of Fireworks in the Town of Springdale During the 2026 Fire Season
WHEREAS, The Springdale Town Council has a goal to reduce the threat of fires within the Town limits that could cause extensive damage in the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Town is authorized under Title 53, Chapter 7, Part 2, Section 225, Utah Code Annotated 1953, to prohibit the discharge of fireworks in areas with existing and historical hazardous environmental conditions; and
WHEREAS, the use of ignition sources including explosive and other fireworks within the Town of Springdale substantially increases the risk of fires; and
WHEREAS, the Springdale Town Council and the fire code official for the Town of Springdale have determined that existing and historical hazardous environmental conditions in the town necessitate controlled use of fireworks; and
WHEREAS, the Springdale Town Council finds that all of the property within the boundaries of the Town of Springdale are considered hazardous environmental conditions, including: areas that are covered in brush and dry grass; areas that are within 200 feet of waterways, trails, canyons, washes, ravines, and similar features; areas that are in the wild land urban interface area; and
WHEREAS, the Springdale Town Council further finds that ongoing drought and the historically dry winter of 2025-26 have exacerbated wildfire conditions for the 2026 wildfire season; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority provided under Utah Code Annotated sections 10-8-56 and 10-8-84, the Springdale Town Council determines that it is necessary and proper to prohibit open fires and the ignition or discharge of fireworks in the Town during the 2026 fire season in order to preserve the health and safety of the Town’s citizens and visitors, promote the prosperity of the Town, and to protect property in the Town; and
WHEREAS, the closure area includes SR-9 and all areas of the Town on both sides of SR-9, as indicated on the Town of Springdale’s 2026 Fireworks Restriction Map, which is adopted by reference as part of this ordinance and is on file at the town office; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Springdale’s 2026 Fireworks Restriction Map has been provided to Washington County, and
WHEREAS, this ordinance repeals and replaces Ordinance 2025-16, adopted September 10, 2025.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Springdale Town Council that the following Chapter is adopted in Title 4 of the Springdale Town Code:
CHAPTER 9: FIREWORKS AND FIRE PREVENTION
4-9-1: FINDINGS. All of the property within the boundaries of the Town of Springdale are considered hazardous environmental conditions, including areas that are covered in brush and dry grass, areas that are within 200 feet of waterways, trails, canyons, washes, ravines, and similar features, and areas that are in the wildland urban interface area. The use of ignition sources including explosive and other fireworks within the Town of Springdale substantially increases the risk of fires.
4-9-2: FIREWORKS PROHIBITED. It is unlawful to ignite or discharge fireworks in the Town of Springdale from May 13, 2026 through February 1, 2027, or until such earlier date that fire hazard conditions in the Town have decreased and the Town Council finds the ignition or discharge of fireworks no longer creates a significant fire hazard. The term “Fireworks” under this Section has the definition provided under Title 53, Chapter 7, Part 2, Section 202, Utah Code Annotated 1953, as amended.
4-9-3: OPEN FIRES. It is unlawful to have an open fire in the Town of Springdale from June 1, 2026 through October 15, 2026 (or a later date if fire conditions persist, as determined by the Town Council). As used in this Section, the term “open fire” does not include the following:
The use of LPG gas/natural gas and charcoal briquettes in contained BBQ grills, covered stoves, and devices (e.g., Coleman stoves, Weber, or other BBQ grills);
A fire in an approved fire pit at an improved campground, provided that the campground complies with Section 4-9-4; or
A fire in an approved fire pit, provided that it is not left unattended.
4-9-4: CAMPGROUND FIRES.
A person who operates an improved campground that allows campfires shall comply with the following requirements:
Issue to all customers, at check-in, a handout explaining the extreme fire danger situation and instructions about fire safety and building reduced-smoke fires;
Prohibit unattended fires and enforce the prohibition; and
Post fire danger signs to advise campers of extreme fire danger and to inform them that their fires will be extinguished if left unattended.
A person who operates a campground in violation of Section 4-9-4(A) may not have any fire within the campground for the remainder of the fire season.
4-9-5: PENALTIES.
A person who violates Section 4-9-2 is guilty of an infraction.
A person who violates Section 4-9-3 is guilty of an infraction.
A person who violates Section 4-9-4 is guilty of an infraction, and the person may not have any campfire in the campground until after October 15, 2026 (or a later date if fire conditions persist, as determined by the Town Council).
ADOPTED by the Springdale Town Council this 13<sup>th</sup> day of May 2026.
Pursuant to regulations of the Department of Interior, Title 54 USC section 100101 (a) and 36 Code of Federal Regulations, subsections 1.5 Closure and public use limits (a) (1), 2.13 Fires (a) (5) (c), 2.21 Smoking (a), and 2.38 Explosives (b) (c), the following acts are prohibited on the area, roads, and trails described below until rescinded by the Superintendent of Zion National Park.
Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park in general, and specifically campfires and charcoal fires within Watchman, South Campground or picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Cook stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels are allowed.
Smoking in vegetated areas, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation site or stopped in an area devoid of vegetation at least 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter.
Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, is prohibited at all times on all federal public lands, including Zion National Park.
The following persons are exempt from the order:
Campers at the Lava Point campground may still have fires in established fire rings.
Those persons with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act, or in those areas authorized by written posted notice in the area of operation. Permits may be obtained from Zion National Park.
Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Area Description:
All lands within the boundaries of Zion National Park.
Violation of the above, prohibited acts is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Information concerning these fire restrictions may be obtained at: 435-772-7842
Jeffrey Bradybaugh Superintendent, Zion National Park
In response to rapidly increasing fire danger, extremely dry vegetation, and persistent drought conditions, Washington County has enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated areas beginning May 22, 2026.
To protect public safety, private property, and natural resources, Washington County is aligning its restrictions with those being implemented by local, state, and federal land management agencies.
Prohibited Activities:
Campfires or open flames outside approved campgrounds
Fireworks or pyrotechnics outside city limits or on public lands
Exploding targets or tracer ammunition
Metal cutting, grinding, welding in dry vegetation
Equipment use without spark arrestors
Smoking near dry vegetation
Why These Restrictions Matter:
Dry fuels, heat, and wind create extreme wildfire danger. Even a small spark can ignite a fast-moving fire.
Recap video of 2026 Washington County Fair in Utah. Held during April 10-18. It proudly stands as the longest-running county event, celebrating 165 years of tradition, innovation, and community connection. Drawing approximately 60,000 attendees each year, the Washington County Fair attracts visitors from near and far – 25% of whom travel from outside Washington County.
In accordance with UCA 20A-5a-102, notice is given that a Regular Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 to nominate party candidates for the parties and candidates for nonpartisan local school board positions listed on the regular primary election ballot.
For voters receiving a ballot by mail, ballots will be mailed beginning 21 calendar days before the election. The location of ballot drop boxes, the location and hours of polling places, including early voting polling places and hours, and qualifications of individuals who may vote in the election can be found at elections.washco.utah.gov or vote.utah.gov, by calling 435.301.7248, or at 111 East Tabernacle Street, St. George, UT 84770. On the day of the election, the polls will open at 7 a.m. and continue open until 8 p.m.
Attest: Washington County Clerk/Auditor
Electronic marking devices will be available at each vote center to assist voters with sight and mobility issues. Individuals with disabilities who are unable to vote a manual ballot by mail may obtain information on voting in an accessible manner from the county’s website elections.washco.utah.gov. or by contacting the county clerk at 435.301.7248 or elections@washco.utah.gov.
Logic and Accuracy Testing (prior to Election Day)
In accordance with UCA 20A-4-104, testing of the automatic tabulating equipment will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Washington County Administration Building, 111 E Tabernacle St, St. George, Utah.
The meeting will begin in the outside office, Entrance C. This office is located on the north side of the building, facing east.
Logic and Accuracy Testing (after Election Day)
In accordance with UCA 20A-4-104, testing of the automatic tabulating equipment will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Washington County Administration Building, 111 E Tabernacle St, St. George, Utah.
The meeting will begin in the outside office, Entrance C. This office is located on the north side of the building, facing east.
It is the Duty of every Property Owner to control and prevent the spread of Noxious Weeds on any land in his possession, or under his control. This notice serves as a warning that if he fails to comply with this notice, enforce weed control measures maybe imposed at the directionof County Authorities.
There are hereby designated five classes of noxious weeds in the state: Class 1A (EDRR Watch List), Class 1 (EDRR), Class 2 (Control), Class 3 (Containment), and Class 4 (Prohibited for sale or propagation).
Class 1A: Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR)
Watch List Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the State of Utah and not known to exist in the State that pose a serious threat to the state and should be considered as a very high priority.
Common crupina – Crupina vulgaris African rue – Peganum harmala Small bugloss – Anchusa arvensis Mediterranean sage – Salvia aethiopis Spring millet – Milium vernale Syrian beancaper – Zygophyllum fabago Ventenata (North Africa grass) – Ventenata dubia Plumeless thistle – Carduus acanthoides Malta starthistle – Centaurea melitensis
Class 1B: Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR)
Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the State of Utah that are known to exist in the state in very limited populations and pose a serious threat to the state and should be considered as a very high priority.
Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the State of Utah, that pose a threat to the state and should be considered a high priority for control. Weeds listed in the control list are known to exist in varying populations throughout the state. The concentration of these weeds is at a level where control or eradication may be possible.
Declared noxious and invasive weeds not native to the State of Utah that are widely spread. Weeds listed in the containment noxious weeds list are known to exist in various populations throughout the state. Weed control efforts may be directed at reducing or eliminating new or expanding weed populations. Known and established weed populations, as determined by the weed control authority, may be managed by any approved weed control methodology, as determined by the weed control authority. These weeds pose a threat to the agricultural industry and agricultural products.
*Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) shall not be a noxious weed in Washington County and shall not be subject to provisions of the Utah Noxious Weed Law within the boundaries of that county. It shall be a noxious weed throughout all other areas of the State of Utah and shall be subject to the laws therein.
Class 4: Prohibited
Declared noxious and invasive weeds, not native to the State of Utah, that pose a threat to the state through the retail sale or propagation in the nursery and greenhouse industry. Prohibited noxious weeds are annual, biennial, or perennial plants that the commissioner designates as having the potential or are known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, or other property.
Each county in Utah may have different priorities regarding specific State designated Noxious Weeds and is therefore able to reprioritize these weeds for their own needs.
The following weeds are hereby officially designated and published as noxious in Washington County, Utah:
Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus
Western Whorled Milkweed – Asclepias subverticillata
Silverleaf Nightshade-Solanum elaeagnifolium
Arundo donax – Giant reed
The Weed Specialist coordinates weed control activities among the county weed organizations and the agricultural field representatives. Surveys of serious weed infestations are conducted and control programs are developed through the county supervisors, county weed boards, and various landowning agencies. The weed specialist and the inspectors work continually with extension and research personnel in encouraging the use of the most effective methods to control the more serious weeds.
In accordance with UCA 20A-5a-206, candidates whose names appear on this notice are qualified for placement and shall appear on the 2026Regular Primary Election ballot as they appear and in the order they are listed for Washington County. Ballot order is determined by the Master Ballot Position List, UCA 20A-6-110. Candidates who are unopposed will not appear on this notice.
The 2026Regular Primary Election will be for the Republican Party only. The Republican Party permits only voters affiliated with the Republican Party to participate in its Primary Election.
Pursuant to UCA 20A-2-107, registered voters who are affiliated with a party may not designate or change their party affiliation after April 1, 2026.
Pursuant to UCA 20A-2-107.5, registered voters who are not affiliated with a party may affiliate with a party by giving a change of affiliation form to their county clerk or a poll worker during the primary election.
FEDERAL
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressional District 3. Congressional District 3 consists of Beaver, Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Kane, Morgan, Piute, San Juan, Summit, Uintah, Wasatch, Washington, and Wayne Counties as well as portions of Utah and Weber Counties.
Republican Party
CELESTE MALOY
PHIL LYMAN
COUNTY
Commission Seat A. Commission Seat A serves Washington County at large.
Republican Party
GIL ALMQUIST
BILL HOSTER
Commission Seat B. Commission Seat B serves Washington County at large.
For several months, Washington County has explored partnerships with multiple organizations to facilitate free public play on the parking garage terrace pickleball courts and track. As those conversations are taking longer than we would like, we decided to open them to the public directly.
Starting Thursday, the terrace will be open from 7 am – 7 pm Monday through Friday for all to enjoy. Please observe the posted rule placards.
