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What Sweetwater County's Stage 1 fire restriction means for residents
Summary
The county's Stage 1 restrictions ban fireworks and most outdoor fires in unimproved areas, allow campfires only within rings with a 15-foot cleared radius, and permit enclosed-grill charcoal; the county also approved an exemption form for limited events.
Sweetwater County's newly adopted Stage 1 fire restriction restricts several common outdoor activities to reduce wildfire risk during an ongoing drought. County fire warden Allen Adams summarized the core rules: "discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved in unimproved areas," and campfires at residences or campsites are allowed only in a fire ring with at least a 15-foot clearance around burnable materials.
The restriction allows charcoal fires inside enclosed grills and permits some metal-cutting or welding with a fully enclosed hose or 0.25-inch spark-arrester-type screen, and use of portable stoves and enclosed stoves within cleared areas. Commissioners emphasized the county will coordinate with city fire departments for events inside municipal limits; one city event this weekend had already been approved by the city and will be covered by the city fire department.
The board also adopted an exception-authorization form to allow the county fire warden to grant limited, case-by-case exemptions during the restriction period; the form was adopted without commissioners' signatures so the warden may act during the interim. The county asked staff to publish the final order and guidance for residents and event organizers.
