With the hills drying out and temperatures climbing, Provo Fire & Rescue has moved the city’s foothills and watershed into Stage 1 fire restrictions, tightening where anyone can strike a match. The new order, announced Monday, limits open flames on the east bench and in nearby canyons to developed sites only, a step officials say is aimed at protecting both public lands and Provo’s drinking-water supply.
According to Provo Fire & Rescue, campfires are now allowed only in approved metal fire rings located in improved campgrounds and picnic areas. Crews are also stressing the basics: drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, then repeat until everything is cool to the touch. Anyone who spots an unattended or out-of-control fire is urged to call 911 immediately. The department said the restrictions were put in place because of increasing fire danger and ongoing dry conditions in the area.
Where the restrictions apply
The order covers all mountains and canyons along Provo’s east bench from the Springville city line through Provo Canyon, including South Fork, language that matches prior city fire restrictions. Per Provo City, that footprint takes in many of the city’s go-to trailheads and key watershed lands, where a single wildfire could threaten water infrastructure and nearby neighborhoods. City staff said signs are going up at trailheads and urged residents to check current conditions before heading into the foothills.
What Stage 1 means
Stage 1 restrictions typically bar most open fires and fireworks while still allowing cooking fires in developed campgrounds or grills that have pressurized running water, according to Utah State Parks. Similar Stage 1 orders have already rolled out across parts of Utah this month under federal and county management as fuel moisture stays low. The Bureau of Land Management, for example, announced Stage 1 restrictions for portions of southern Utah in May. All of these measures are aimed at cutting down human-caused ignitions as the state moves into peak fire season.
How to stay safe
Provo Fire & Rescue is reminding visitors to stick strictly to approved metal-ringed fire pits in developed areas and never leave a flame unattended, advice echoed in guidance from Provo Fire & Rescue. Before walking away, people are asked to make sure every fire is completely cold to the touch by using the douse, stir, and repeat method. Residents are also being asked to skip fireworks, welding, grinding, or any other spark-producing work in the restricted area and to call 911 right away if they see suspicious smoke or flames. Officials note that quick reporting and fast response can be the difference between a small incident and a major wildfire.
Enforcement
Violating Provo’s fire restrictions is not just a bad idea; it can be a legal problem. Past city notices indicate that offenders may face citations or even misdemeanor charges under the city code, according to Provo City. The Fire Prevention Bureau keeps contact information available for anyone with questions about the order, and fire crews will respond to reports made through 911. These restrictions will stay in place until the city’s fire marshal decides conditions have improved enough to safely roll them back.
