Fire Season Has Started

The risk of wildfire is extremely high in the Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs area, as well as the rest of Utah. Firefighters have been battling fires around the state, including the Brian Head Fire that has now consumed over 49,000 acres. The Bureau of Land Management is asking “for eveyone’s cooperation in preventing wildfires this season.” On Jun 16, 2017 in an official press release, the BLM, give several tips to help prevent wildfires. Those tips include: keeping campfires small; never throw cigarette butts from vehicle windows; no fireworks on BLM land; stay on trails and avoid driving over dry brush; chainsaws must be equipped with spark arresters. “Public lands provide valuable, tangible goods, and materials we rely on and use every day to heat our homes, build our roads, and feed our families. They provide an amazing array of recreational opportunities and connect us to our shared American history and cultural heritage. Please practice good stewardship and take care of your public lands.” Unified Fire reports that there have been 9 fires in the Saratoga Springs, Cedar Valley, and Eagle Mountain area since the beginning of June. Those fires include 6 brush, 1 wildland, 1 vehicle, and a rubbish fire. To help with this effort the BLM has also put restrictions on the type of ammo that can be used for target shooting on BLM land around the Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs area. From June 15 to September 30th, it is prohibited to use steel core, jacketed, and tipped ammunition of any caliber. You cannot use tracer or incendiary ammunition, or any kind of explosives, incendiary or chemical devices, pyrotechnics, fireworks, or exploding targets. The Unified Fire Authority has also given these restrictions on fireworks. “Aerial fireworks are prohibited in the restricted areas and within 300 feet of vacant lots and undeveloped land in the unrestricted areas. Ground based fireworks are prohibited in the restricted areas and within 50 feet of vacant lots and undeveloped land in the unrestricted areas.”

Lets keep the Eagle Mountain area safe, be careful in your Independence day recreation activities, and pleas adhere to all of the various bans in cities and public lands. These fires cost taxpayers and residents involved substantial money in damages and costs incurred to fight the fires. On 6/27/2017 the Utah County Sheriff’s department release a press release that proves this point. One of the June 26, 2017 fires was caused by two teens lighting fireworks in an unincorporated area by Eagle Mountain. “Two boys, age 16 and 14, were lighting a firework called a “Ground Flower” when the fire started. This particular firework is legal, but there are restrictions on when they can be used legally.” They remind us that you can only light fireworks 3 days before and 3 days after certain holidays, including the 4th and 24th of July. This particular fire burned 4.4 acres and took 9 hours to fully extinguish. The estimated cost for fighting the fire is between $12,000 – $14,000, and those responsible for the fire may be required to reimburse those expenses. This video was taken by Eric Bean, a resident of Highland, blogger for www.wasatchhiker.com, and avid hiker. It should be noted that this video was not taken with a drone, it is illegal and dangerous to fly drones near and around fire areas. It interferes with the firefighters ability to fight and manage the fire. (Note, not all browsers can display this video, we are working on the technical aspects of the site to resolve any viewing issues.)

Related Websites

UFA Firework Restrictions BLM Fire Prevention Order 2017 Two Teens Charged in Fire Started with Fireworks