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Duchesne County officials warn of critical fire weather, issue fireworks ban under state Stage 2 restrictions
Summary
Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips told the Duchesne County Commission the county faces critical fire weather and an unusually rare National Weather Service extreme-fire-weather warning; the state’s Stage 2 order bans fireworks, and the county will post notices and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office.
Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips told the Duchesne County Commission on June 29 that the county is facing "critical fire weather," and he highlighted a rare National Weather Service extreme fire weather warning.
The warning, Phillips said, coincides with dry conditions and the potential for monsoon rains that could create localized flooding; as a precaution the county has sandbags staged and is planning flood response if needed. Phillips said Engine 05 is expected back July 3 and that four Type 1 fire teams had been on a tactical break following three firefighter fatalities; those teams were resuming operations.
Phillips explained that the State of Utah is under a Stage 2 Fire Restriction Order, which includes a fireworks ban. He told commissioners several incorporated towns in the county have already banned fireworks (Duchesne City, Myton and Altamont) while others were still deciding. A Fruitland resident asked the county to place digital signs about the ban; Phillips said he will post flyers at post offices and other bulletin boards and will pursue radio outreach. He said enforcement coordination is being handled with the Sheriff’s Office.
Why it matters: the restriction limits use of fireworks and open fires at a time of heightened wildfire risk and before a holiday weekend when consumer fireworks would otherwise be used. Public safety and property losses are primary concerns given the county’s dry winter and the rare NWS warning.
The county’s next steps include posting public notices, coordinating with the sheriff on enforcement, and monitoring weather and fire resources, including the return of Engine 05 and the deployment status of Type 1 teams. Phillips offered condolences to the families of the firefighters who died and emphasized the county’s preparedness actions.
The Commission did not take a separate formal vote on the fire restrictions during the meeting; Phillips advised the board and staff on outreach and enforcement steps.
