Fire Restrictions Rescinded Statewide

Salt Lake City, Utah --- Fire restrictions throughout Utah are rescinded as of 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2008. Officials with the federal, state and tribal agencies that govern fire use are citing weather as the primary factor in the decision. Recent rainfall and expected monsoonal moisture have reduced the threat of wildland fires.

While the risk is lower, officials are urging the public to continue to use caution when using fire. The potential for wildfire is still present and campfires are a major cause. Wildfires resulting from escaped campfires represent 13% of the acres burned so far this year; while during the 2007 fire season, escaped campfires resulted in 4% of the total acres burned.

People like to have campfires, it goes along with camping, says State Forester, Dick Buehler. People need to be careful; a little common sense goes a long way when youre dealing with fire in the wildland.

The restrictions lifted also include all lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District in Arizona.

Fire restrictions in state parks and incorporated city areas vary by location, check with local officials.