8 Utah counties now under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions — possible jail time if violated

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — As wildfires blaze through south-central Utah, officials are tightening restrictions to prevent future fires.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in place for areas in Millard, Sevier, Wayne, Piute, Garfield, Juab, Sanpete, and Beaver counties, according to an interagency news release sent out Thursday.

The restrictions apply to federal, incorporated private, and state lands which encompass several central Utah cities including Richfield, Fillmore, and Scipio.

The announcement comes as several wildfires burn in the area, with the Silver King Fire prompting the closure of Fishlake National Forest located in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne Counties.

The Silver King Fire — which has rapidly spread to nearly 15,000 acres — is about three miles west of Marysvale and still 0% contained, the Central Utah Fire Interagency said.

The Little Twist Fire is at the southern end of Fishlake National Forest and has burned more than 5,000 acres. It is currently 60% contained, according to Utah Fire Info .

In Kane County, which is not under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, the Deer Springs Fire has burned more than 11,000 acres and is 30% contained. The fire is currently threatening structures in the area, and while it is still under investigation, the Bureau of Land Management believes it to be a human-caused blaze.

The restrictions were implemented to prevent future wildfires as hot, dry, and windy conditions lead to a high risk of large fires.

The restrictions include no campfires outside of approved campgrounds, no shooting of exploding targets or tracer ammunition, and no cutting or welding of metal near dry vegetation. Smoking outside is also restricted unless it is in a developed recreation site or paved area. For a full list of restricted activities, see the release here .

Anyone who violates the restrictions may be punished by up to 6 months in jail and fined up to 1,000, according to the Department of Natural Resources .

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