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Sweetwater County adopts Stage 1 fire restrictions effective July 10 amid rising heat and low fuel moisture
Summary
The Sweetwater County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-07-CC-03 authorizing Stage 1 fire restrictions to run July 10–Aug. 7, 2026, after County Fire Warden Allen Adams warned of critical fuel-moisture conditions and forecast heat. The restrictions spell out permitted campfires, welding rules and a fireworks prohibition absent written county approval.
The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously July 7 to adopt Resolution 2026-07-CC-03, imposing Stage 1 fire restrictions in the county beginning Friday, July 10 and running through Friday, Aug. 7 unless lifted or reimposed earlier.
County Fire Warden Allen Adams told the board recent readings and forecast temperatures — with weekend highs near 100 degrees and low plant moisture — indicate fuel loads will be critical. "Therefore, it's my recommendation to go into stage 1 fire restrictions beginning this Friday, July 10, running until Friday, August 7," Adams said.
The restriction resolution, prepared for the board and available on request, lists allowable and prohibited activities. Campfires are permitted only in pits with a quarter-inch spark screen and within a cleared 15-foot radius; charcoal fires are allowed in fully closed grills. The resolution allows cutting torches and electric arc-welding in cleared areas with an immediately available pressurized chemical fire extinguisher. The discharge of fireworks is prohibited except by written approval from the Board of County Commissioners or the county fire warden, and all open burning and outdoor fires are restricted unless expressly authorized by permit.
Chairman West said county staff will publish the restriction in the Green River Star, county websites and through law-enforcement channels to ensure prompt notice to residents. Adams told the board he will continue weekly monitoring with cooperating agencies, including BLM field offices, and will return at the board's August meeting with updated moisture and weather information.
The motion to adopt Resolution 2026-07-CC-03 carried without recorded opposition. The board directed staff to share the prepared resolution text with local media and partner agencies and to coordinate outreach for affected land users.
