Fire Prevention

Large fires are raging in Utah and across the West. One of the most common fire safety mistakes is leaving campfires unattended or not fully extinguishing them.

The new U.S. Forest Service chief pointed to an already devastating wildfire season, arguing active management is critical to wildfire resilience and the long-term health of forests.

Most municipalities are still keeping their Fourth of July fireworks shows. Some are also designating specific areas for residents to set off their own fireworks.

Gov. Spencer Cox issued the emergency order on Thursday as wildfires rage across the state, including the devastating Cottonwoods Fire near Beaver.

Wildfire prevention is the core of a debate over repealing the decades-old conservation rule. One environmental group argued these efforts are more about profit than fire protection.

The Roadless Rule protects millions of acres of public land. Environmental groups have expressed support for the rule, but federal lawmakers were more divided.

Colorado adopted a code last year, with enforcement expected to begin this year. Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, and Wyoming, meanwhile, have no statewide wildfire building codes.

Over seven recent years, U.S. Forest Service projects helped communities avoid almost $3 billion in fire-related harm, according to a new study.

In other news, stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for parts of southwest Utah. And, Causey Reservoir in Weber County is getting safety upgrades this summer.

In other news, Duchesne County issued fire restrictions this week, including on fireworks. And, a skier triggered a soft slab avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Tuesday.