Fire restrictions now in effect for Southern Utah, Arizona Strip; stricter measures for Zion

In response to escalating fire risks, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions across Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip, effective May 22, 2026. These measures aim to mitigate the potential for human-caused wildfires in the region.

 

In Southern Utah, the restrictions encompass Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver counties. In Northern Arizona, they apply to all BLM-managed lands within the Arizona Strip District, including the Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monuments. 

 

Under these Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited:

 

Building or maintaining open fires or campfires using solid fuels.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

Grinding, cutting, and welding of metal.

 

Operating internal combustion engines without a properly installed and functioning spark-arresting device. 

 

The BLM advises target shooters to verify their ammunition, as certain types, particularly military surplus or foreign-made, may contain steel components that can spark upon impact. A simple magnet test can help identify steel-containing bullets. 

 

Simultaneously, Zion National Park has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, which are more stringent. These include:

 

Prohibiting all open fires, including campfires and charcoal fires, within the park.

 

Allowing only petroleum or liquid propane gas-fueled cook stoves.

 

Restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles, developed recreation sites, or areas devoid of vegetation. 

 

These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. 

 

To prevent wildfires, the public is urged to:

 

Fully extinguish campfires and avoid building them during windy conditions.

 

Refrain from target shooting in hot, dry, and windy conditions.

 

Ensure vehicles and equipment are well-maintained to prevent sparks.

 

Avoid parking vehicles over dry grass.

 

Properly dispose of cigarettes and avoid smoking in vegetated areas. 

 

For more information on fire restrictions and safety tips, visit the Utah Fire Info website. In case of a fire, call 911 immediately.