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Council weighs tighter open‑burning limits, asks staff to draft standing ordinance with dates and fire‑marshal input
Summary
Council members directed staff to draft permanent local restrictions on activities that increase wildfire risk — e.g., welding, engine use without spark arrestors and expanded campfire limits — and to consult the fire marshal and state guidance on dates for seasonal restrictions.
The council discussed whether to adopt additional, standing restrictions on open burning and certain activities in the wildland‑urban interface at its May 20 meeting and asked staff to return with a proposed ordinance and input from the fire marshal.
City staff outlined current municipal code provisions that already restrict open burning to small recreational fires and require permits for larger fires. Staff presented language used in prior temporary restrictions (stage 1 and stage 2) that would, if added to the code, prohibit activities such as cutting, welding or grinding in dry vegetation without wetting, require spark arrestors on small engines and restrict many open flames during high‑risk periods.
Council members expressed support for making stage‑1 restrictions a standing default and adding an annual or seasonal calendar. Council member Harris said she could be persuaded to add the measures permanently and recommended calendar dates could be used so residents know when stricter rules apply. One member suggested using April 1 to Nov. 15 as a baseline; staff said they would consult the U.S. Forest Service and Utah State fire authorities to align municipal calendar dates with broader fire‑management practice.
Chief Case of Unified Fire Authority attended and previously briefed the council in the meeting; staff said they will request the fire marshal’s guidance and consider an ordinance that references state or agency staging, but that they prefer the city code itself to present specific restrictions and calendar dates so the rules are straightforward for residents.
The council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would add the stage‑1 restrictions to the municipal code and provide recommended dates and notice procedures; staff said they could bring a draft for council consideration at the next meeting.
