Town of Springdale, Utah, logo

Ordinance Prohibiting Open Fires and the Discharge of Fireworks in the Town of Springdale During the 2026 Fire Season

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 Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District shares the Town’s goal to reduce the threat of fires 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 Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands identifies the Town of Springdale as a community at high risk for wildfire;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

Town of Springdale 2026 Fireworks Restriction Map

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:

  1. 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);
  2. A fire in an approved fire pit at an improved campground, provided that the campground complies with Section 4-9-4; or
  3. A fire in an approved fire pit, provided that it is not left unattended.

4-9-4: CAMPGROUND FIRES.

  1. A person who operates an improved campground that allows campfires shall comply with the following requirements:
    1. 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;
    2. Prohibit unattended fires and enforce the prohibition; and
    3. Post fire danger signs to advise campers of extreme fire danger and to inform them that their fires will be extinguished if left unattended.
  2. 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.

  1. A person who violates Section 4-9-2 is guilty of an infraction.
  2. A person who violates Section 4-9-3 is guilty of an infraction.
  3. 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.

National Park Service logo - United States Department of the Interior

Zion National Park Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

FIRE RESTRICTION ORDER
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Zion National Park

Effective date: May 22, 2026 at 12:01 am

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.
Country Interagency Fire Restrictions Effective May 22, 2026

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

Date: 2026.05.21 10:35:26 -0600

Protect Yourself After a Wildfire - Indoor Safety

Washington County Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Effective May 22, 2026 – Until Further Notice

Press Release for Immediate Release

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.

Fire Safety Tips:

  • Carry water/shovel/extinguisher
  • Avoid parking on dry vegetation
  • Report smoke/fire to 911 immediately

Fire Information : Washington County Emergency Management

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov

Class A Notice 2026 Primary Election Notification and Testing

PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 REGULAR PRIMARY ELECTION

ELECTION DAY

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.

Washington County of Utah

Notice about Noxious Weeds for 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 may be imposed at the direction of County Authorities.

The following weeds are hereby officially designated and published as noxious for the State of Utah, as per the authority vested in the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food under Section 4-17-3:

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.

Camelthorn – Alhagi maurorum
Garlic mustard – Alliaria petiolata
Purple starthistle – Centaurea calcitrapa
Goatsrue – Galega officinalis
African mustard – Brassica tournefortii
Giant reed – Arundo donax
Japanese knotweed – Polygonum cuspidatum
Blueweed (Vipers bugloss) – Echium vulgare
Elongated mustard – Brassica elongata
Common St. Johnswort – Hypericum perforatum
Oxeye daisy – Leucanthemum vulgare
Cutleaf vipergrass – Scorzonera laciniata

Class 2: Control

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.

Leafy spurge – Euphorbia esula
Medusahead – Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Rush skeletonweed – Chondrilla juncea
Spotted knapweed – Centaurea stoebe
Purple loosestrife – Lythrum salicaria
Squarrose knapweed – Centaurea virgata
Dyers woad – Isatis tinctoria
Yellow starthistle – Centaurea solstitialis
Yellow toadflax – Linaria vulgaris
Diffuse knapweed – Centaurea diffusa
Black henbane – Hyoscyamus niger
Dalmation toadflax – Linaria dalmatica

Class 3: Containment

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.

Russian knapweed – Acroptilon repens
Houndstounge – Cynoglossum officianale
Perennial pepperweed (Tall whitetop) – Lepidium latifolium 
Phragmites (Common reed) – Phragmites australis ssp.
Tamarisk (Saltcedar) – Tamarix ramosissima
Hoary cress – Cardaria spp.
Canada thistle – Cirsium arvense
Poison hemlock – Conium maculatum
Musk thistle – Carduus nutans
Quackgrass – Elymus repens
Jointed goatgrass – Aegilops cylindrica
Bermudagrass* – Cynodon dactylon
Perennial Sorghum spp.: Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) and Sorghum almum (Sorghum almum).
Scotch thistle (Cotton thistle) – Onopordum acanthium
Field bindweed (Wild Morning-glory) – Convolvulus spp.
Puncturevine (Goathead) – Tribulus terrestris

*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.

Cogongrass (Japanese blood grass) – Imperata cylindrica
Myrtle spurge – Euphorbia myrsinites
Dames Rocket – Hesperis matronalis
Scotch broom – Cytisus scoparius
Russian olive – Elaeagnus angustifolia

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.

Vote by Mail, Register Online by June 19, vote.utah.gov

Class A Notice 2026 Primary Election Certification of County Candidates

PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 REGULAR PRIMARY ELECTION

Certification of County Candidates

In accordance with UCA 20A-5a-206, candidates whose names appear on this notice are qualified for placement and shall appear on the 2026 Regular 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 2026 Regular 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

  1. CELESTE MALOY
  2. PHIL LYMAN

COUNTY

Commission Seat A. Commission Seat A serves Washington County at large.

Republican Party

  1. GIL ALMQUIST
  2. BILL HOSTER

Commission Seat B. Commission Seat B serves Washington County at large.

Republican Party

  1. TROY G BELLISTON
  2. VICTOR IVERSON
Parking Structure Terrace, Washington County of Utah

Parking Structure Terrace – Exciting News!

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.

See you out on the courts!

Washington County Emergency Services

New Evacuation Tool for Washington County

Washington County has launched Genasys Protect, a new evacuation tool designed to give you clear, real-time information during emergencies.

Whether it’s wildfire, flooding, or another incident — this system helps you know exactly what to do.

Clear direction when it matters most.

✔ Zone-based evacuations
✔ Real-time updates
✔ Clear Ready, Set, Go alerts

🔗 protect.genasys.com

Genasys Protect. Be prepared before an emergency strikes. Know your zone. Find your evaucation zone now at protect.genasys.com

#WashingtonCounty #AllHazards #EmergencyPreparedness #Genasys