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Emery County fire warden warns of dry fuels, early monsoon and WUI code duties
Summary
County fire warden Jerry George told commissioners that dry grass and smaller 'flashy' fuels raise wildfire risk for 2025; he warned a new state law (House Bill 48) will require counties to begin enforcing wildland-urban interface (WUI) code and said the division is rewriting the county's WUI code but details remain pending.
Jerry George, Emery County fire warden, told the Board of County Commissioners on June 17 that the 2025 fire season is likely to be driven by cured valley grass and other readily ignitable fuels and that monsoonal moisture may arrive earlier than usual.
"They were forecasting a lot of grass crop in the valleys," George said, noting the county received less snow this year and that "the grass is cured, dry." He said county staff have been monitoring a range of criteria and that, while there were “no fire restrictions as of yet,” conditions could change within days depending on weather.
George outlined the county’s preparedness posture: exclusive-use helicopters on contract for rapid initial attack, roughly 46 'red-carded' firefighters across local departments, and federal and state engine resources for unincorporated areas. He described a statewide rollout of an online burn-permit system that allows him to view and approve permits remotely and consult local fire departments before issuance.
On legislation, George warned that House Bill 48 will change local responsibilities. "This bill that was passed this year is gonna require the counties to start enforcing the WUI code," he said, and added the division is rewriting its WUI code to conform with the new law. George said the county does not yet have full details about how the statute will apply locally and that staff will return with more information and recommendations.
George also highlighted a red-flag warning the division issued for high winds and low humidity over the coming days and reminded commissioners that state law prohibits issuing burn permits while a red-flag warning is in effect.
Commissioners thanked George and asked staff to bring back a briefing once the division has more detail on the WUI code's local implementation.
The county may next consider operational changes and enforcement language for the WUI code after the division completes its rewrite and when the state provides implementing guidance.
