By Jeremy Couch
jeremy@newsroom.byu.edu
Because of the increased rainfall that the Uinta National Forest has received the intensity of fire danger is decreasing.
As of Friday, September 1, Uinta National Forest Officials have implemented a Stage I Fire Restriction. This order has been downgraded from Stage II restriction that was issued on August 9.
'Even though we have received several inches of rain, the moisture has not been equally spread, therefore still leaving a threat for wildfire,' said Loyal Clark, public affairs officer for the Uinta Forest Service.
The Stage I restrictions still prohibit open campfires except within a developed campground or recreation area; and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area cleared of flammable material at least three feet in diameter. Charcoal briquettes are permitted in developed campgrounds or recreation areas.
'There has been no problems with the citizens abiding by these restrictions, they have been cooperative and realize the danger of wildfires,' said Dennis Jones, fire marshall for the City of Provo.
Restrictions that prohibit operating a chainsaw or motorized equipment, motorized vehicles, and blasting and welding during 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. have been lifted. This restriction does not change the travel management policy on the Uinta National Forest, that permits motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails only, Clark said.
The Uinta National Forest consists of less than 1,000,000 acres that covers areas from the Point of the Mountain by Draper to as far down as Kamas, Summit County.
Without sufficient rainfall in all of these areas Unita National Forests Officials will still hold to the Stage I restrictions until all areas are secure, Clark said.
The current Stage I Fire Restriction is in effect for the Ashley, Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-Lasal, Unita and Wastach-Cache National Forests until further notice.
Any violations of this order are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.