By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

As conditions remain ideal for fires with low humidity, strong winds, and warm temperatures statewide, the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Land Management have implemented stage-one fire restrictions across the state. This order, which takes effect on Saturday, June 28, will remain in place until rescinded.

This order applies to all state lands and unincorporated private lands

Along with the order comes several restrictions on what can and can’t be done with fire to help lower the risk of wildfires. These include:

• No open fires of any kind except within established facilities in improved campgrounds or day-use areas on public lands. – OR – in permanently constructed fire pits at permanent private dwellings served by pressurized running water.
• 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.
• Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation.
• Operating a motorcycle, chain saw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor.
• Discharging or using fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnics devices including exploding targets.

Though these orders do not immediately affect private property in incorporated towns and cities, they may be adopted by municipalities. Such is the case with Helper. “Helper City is also adopting the same restrictions. With the lack of moisture, fire conditions are terrible,” reads a social media post from the Helper City Fire Department.

• The order also lists the exemptions that can be made to these restrictions:
• Persons with a permit or waiver issued by the Division, specifically authorizing a specified act at a specific location. A waiver does not relieve the permittee of liability if a fire does occur.
• Any on-duty firefighter in the performance of an official duty.

Violation of the restrictions outlined in the order can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

A full copy of the order can be viewed here.

This is a still developing story, updates may be provided.