Council adopts Level 2 fire restrictions ahead of summer events, pending legal citation

Beaver City Council voted on June 16 to impose Level 2 fire restrictions because of dry conditions and the proximity of summer events. The resolution prohibits most open fires except in approved fire pits, restricts grinding/cutting in dry vegetation, and limits consumer fireworks to three designated areas (the city pool parking lot, the Fire Station No. 2 parking lot, and the Beaver City office lot). Exemptions apply for permitted activities and official firefighting duties.

During discussion staff noted the order includes a penalty provision referencing a class B misdemeanor and cited possible state statutes. Council asked legal staff to confirm the correct statute and precise penalties before finalizing the ordinance text; the council passed the resolution subject to that clarification. A councilmember recommended referring to the Utah Criminal Code citation rather than specifying a dollar amount until the state code reference is confirmed.

The measure also includes enforcement direction: every officer charged with enforcement of municipal laws, including the fire marshal, is charged with responsibility to enforce the order. Staff will publish the designated fireworks locations and coordinate enforcement with the fire district and police ahead of July 4 events.

What happens next City legal staff will verify the correct state-code citation and penalty language and return an updated resolution for final publication and enforcement instructions. The fire district will coordinate enforcement of designated fireworks areas and public information ahead of the holiday.