05/29/2026
Closed fire season effective June 1st
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Utah’s Closed Fire Season Starts June 1: Get a Permit, Notify Dispatch, and Exercise Your 'Fire Sense'
Utah – May 29, 2026 – With summer approaching and wildfire risks rising, state fire officials are reminding residents that Utah’s Closed Fire Season officially begins next Monday, June 1, and runs through October 31. There is one rule that always applies: notification to your local 911 dispatch center’s non-emergency line is always required.
“Fire Sense is common sense,” said Copeland Anderson, Millard County Fire Warden. “We want the agriculture community to be able to clear their ditches safely, but it takes all of us doing our part to prevent catastrophic wildfires. Apply for a permit, make the right call to dispatch, monitor the weather, and never leave your fire unattended.”
What is Allowed During Closed Fire Season (June 1 – Oct 31)
During the closed fire season, burn rules depend heavily on where you live and what you are burning. Residents should consult the FFSL Burn Permit Matrix to determine exactly what actions are legally permitted.
Outside City Limits (Unincorporated County): Residents can burn residential yard waste, debris, and agricultural materials during the closed season, but you must obtain a burn permit from the local Fire Warden or County Sheriff first.
Inside City Limits (Incorporated Cities): Burning in incorporated areas is governed by your local city ordinances and the Department of Air Quality (UAC R307-202). While DAQ rules outline specific conditions for the open burning of residential clippings, bushes, and plants, you must obtain permission from your local fire jurisdiction before conducting any residential yard clean-up burns. Residents are encouraged to review the DAQ Open Burning guidelines for full details.
The Three Agricultural Exceptions: State law outlines specific agricultural scenarios where a permit is not required: burning within 10 feet of fence lines on cultivated lands, canals, or irrigation ditches. However, you are still legally required to notify your local non-emergency dispatch line before starting.
Never burn trash, oil, tires, or vegetation on protected lands. These materials are prohibited from being burned anywhere in Utah, regardless of the season or permit status.
The Golden Rules of Burning
For those planning to conduct a permitted open burn this season, fire officials share the following safety protocols to help ensure a safe and effective burn.
Before you light, be sure to obtain a proper burn permit from the Fire Warden or County Sheriff before you burn.
Notify your local 911 dispatch non-emergency line before you start. Failure to do so is a Class C Misdemeanor.
Always check the weather. If gusty winds are in the forecast, do not proceed.
Create safety buffers between your fire and surrounding vegetation, and have an emergency plan ready. If your fire escapes control, notify your local fire department immediately.
Debris should be out in the open and nowhere near structures or under trees that may catch fire.
Have a water supply available right next to the burn area.
Tend the fire at all times. Walking away or leaving it unattended is a Class C Misdemeanor.
Fires must be out cold before you leave the scene. Leaving before it is completely cold is a Class C Misdemeanor.
Remember, you are legally liable for the costs if your fire escapes control.
Apply for a Permit Online: Residents can now apply for a burn permit in minutes from their smartphones. Visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7ed3af2d2eaa4511838cd4820e7ff56c
Stay Informed: To check fire restrictions or for information about active wildfire incidents, visit UtahFireInfo.gov. Local, state, and federal fire officials urge everyone to practice “Fire Sense” to prevent unwanted wildfires. This interagency campaign, launched in 2021, raises public awareness about fire prevention. For more information on wildfire prevention and the Fire Sense campaign, visit UtahFireSense.org.
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Media Contact: Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands Statewide Fire Communications & Prevention & Education Coordinator Kayli M. Guild at 385-377-0336
Kayli M. Guild
Statewide Fire Communications & Prevention & Education Coordinator
385-377-0336 | [email protected]
https://forestry.utah.gov
