Washington County (“County”) is experiencing an “exceptional drought,” the most severe since the mid-1950’s;

WHEREAS, due to the current and forecasted weather conditions coupled with the extremely dry vegetation conditions in Southwest Utah, the Utah State Forester, in consultation with the county commission of each of the affect counties, has determined that measures must be taken to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires;

Download copy of signed resolution R-2021-2780 by County & State

WHEREAS, pursuant to the attached Fire Restriction Order, and in accordance with Utah Code Section 65A-8-212, the following acts are prohibited in all unincorporated private and all state lands within Washington County:

1. No open fires of any kind except within established public facilities in improved campgrounds, picnic areas. -OR- In permanently constructed fire pits at private homes where running water is present.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation.
3. Discharging or using any fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including exploding targets.
4. Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation.
5. Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor.

WHEREAS, the Fire Restriction Order also lists two small categories of exempt persons from these rules;

WHEREAS, any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000; and

WHEREAS, supporting the Fire Restriction Order is in the public interest and preserves the community’s economic, environmental, recreational and aesthetic resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH, that Washington County supports the attached Fire Restriction Order.

VOTED UPON AND PASSED BY THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION HELD ON THE 1^st DAY OF JUNE, 2021.

WHEREAS, the Utah State Forester, in accordance with Utah Code Section 65A-8-211(1), has advanced the closed fire season in Southwest Utah to begin on May 1, 2021 instead of June 1, 2021;

Download copy of signed proclamation by County & State

WHEREAS, Washington County (“County”) recognizes the fire threat that naturally-caused weather conditions pose to people and property within the County;

WHEREAS, wildfire danger is unseasonably high due to warmer temperatures, drier than normal weather and abnormally dry fuel conditions in Southwest Utah, including in the County;

WHEREAS, wildlands threatened by wildfire are critical to sustain public safety, health and economic well-being;

WHEREAS, an advancement of the closed fire season would reduce open burning on unincorporated state and private land; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the residents of Washington County that the closed fire season be extended until the fire risk lessens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH, that Washington County supports the advancement of the closed fire season as described in the attached Utah State Forester Proclamation.

VOTED UPON AND PASSED BY THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION HELD ON THE 4^th DAY OF MAY, 2021.