By Chantel Rhodes
Campers and hunters will be able to once again build campfires anywhere on private, state and federal lands with the removal of fire restrictions in Utah, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
'I would still urge those camping in the backwoods to be especially careful with fire,' said Jim Springer of Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
The past week''s rains have brought enough moisture for officials to reconsider restrictions that have been in effect over most of the summer, said Loyal Clark, spokesperson for Uinta National Forest.
However, she said wet weather can be deceptive.
All private, state and federal lands throughout Utah are under Stage I restrictions until Thursday. Stage I restrictions allow campfires in improved areas, limit smoking and prohibit fireworks in all areas.
During July and August restrictions were elevated because of drought conditions all over the state, but Clark said the National Weather Service indicated daily rain for a month would be required to relieve drought conditions just for this year.
'Most campers were very cooperative with the ban on campfires,' said Susan Marzec of the Bureau of Land Management.
'Several areas reported reduced use of campsites,' Marzec said. 'We expect the hunting season to boost camping, as usual.'
As hunting season approaches, Clark said reminding hunters to take precautions is important. She said hunting season could bring an increase in problems caused by abandoned fires.
Often, hunters build a fire for warmth, spot a deer or other game then leave the fire burning unsupervised while they pursue the target, Clark said.
Clark said moisture readings are taken daily to evaluate the need for restrictions.
The moisture content in the vegetation is still low, but recent rains have helped.
'We didn''t get any arguments -not even from river running companies,' said Marzec. 'Now everyone is ready for the lifting of the ban.'
Prior to Tuesday''s measurements, restrictions were expected to last through October.
'It would take something miraculous, like a return to July''s temperatures to reinstate restrictions once they have been removed,' Springer said.