Provo council adopts citywide Level 2 fire restrictions amid extended dry stretch

Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield told the Provo Municipal Council on Aug. 5 that the Utah State Forester implemented Level 2 fire restrictions statewide last Thursday and that Provo would impose the same restrictions in the city watershed, parks and wildland–urban interface areas. Schofield said the order limits open fires and requires spark arresters on ATVs and motorcycles, and allows only ignitions that can be turned on and off by a valve or switch (for example, a camp stove).

Schofield said the city’s move is preventive: “Simply stated, we’re at a critical stage, in our environment right now,” and noted more than 30 days without measurable rain and a forecast showing little precipitation for the next two weeks. He told councilors the restrictions became effective Saturday, Aug. 2, for Provo City areas outside the Wasatch-Cache National Forest jurisdiction and that the city will not wait for federal forest managers to act.

Council members asked how the restrictions would be rescinded; Schofield said he would look for roughly a week to 10 days of consistent rainfall and improvements in vegetation fuel moisture content before lifting restrictions and would notify council in writing when rescission is planned. Councilor Justin Hoban asked whether higher levels exist; Schofield replied Level 2 is the highest under the current framework because it removes all common ignition sources.

The council voted 7–0 to adopt the resolution imposing Level 2 restrictions for the Provo City watershed and parks. The resolution is an administrative order implemented by the Provo Fire Marshal’s office; it does not require future council votes to rescind. Schofield and councilors said fireworks windows such as New Year’s Eve may require additional consideration if fuel moisture remains low.

The measure applies to Provo City-managed lands and public parks; Schofield said the Wasatch-Cache National Forest’s separate jurisdiction had not adopted the same restrictions and that exceptions exist only for devices controlled by a valve or switch. The city advised residents to clear two-foot perimeters to mineral earth before smoking outdoors and to ensure spark arresters are installed on recreational vehicles.

Council members thanked the Fire Marshal for the proactive approach. No public action was taken beyond the resolution; Schofield will notify council in writing when conditions warrant lifting the restrictions.