Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County emergency manager proposes earlier burn window as dry conditions arrive
Summary
Duchesne County Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips proposed Stage 1 fire restrictions and moving the open-burning window to March 25–April 15 (normally April 15–May 15) because of higher temperatures and lower moisture in the short-term forecast; the ordinance will be updated at a public hearing.
Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips told the Duchesne County Commission on March 23 that a 6–10 day forecast shows higher temperatures and lower moisture levels, and the county is currently at a moderate fire stage. Phillips proposed moving the spring open-burning window earlier, to March 25 through April 15, instead of the normal April 15 through May 15, and described the elements of Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Commissioners discussed the risk of negligent fires and the county’s authority to seek suppression costs from responsible parties. Phillips emphasized that calling in a controlled burn does not relieve a resident of liability if the burn becomes negligent or escapes containment. The Commission did not adopt a final ordinance that day; staff will bring an updated ordinance to a public hearing for formal consideration.
If adopted, the earlier burn window and Stage 1 restrictions would change when residents can legally conduct permitted open burns and may affect scheduled agricultural or land-management burning. The change is being proposed because officials said conditions are greening up now and short-term weather trends increase ignition risk.
