LOGAN — New fire restrictions are in place for nine northern Utah counties, taking effect Monday, July 1.

Utah Department of Natural Resources officials announced Sunday that Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for “all unincorporated private and government lands in Box Elder, Cache, Rich, Weber, Tooele, Utah, Salt Lake, Davis and Morgan Counties.”

Officials added that “incorporated cities and towns are not included.”

The first stage fire safety restrictions were set as follows:

• “No open fires of any kind, except in designated public facilities at developed campgrounds or picnic areas. -OR- In permanent fire pits at private homes where running water is available.
• Smoking except in enclosed vehicles, trailers or buildings, on a recreational site, or when stopped in an area that is paved or free of dry vegetation.
• Firing or using fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices, including exploding targets.
• Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas with dry vegetation.
• Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, all-terrain vehicle, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and functioning spark arrestor.”

The restrictions began when parts of Cache Valley recorded less than a half-inch of moisture in June and several record high temperatures were reached. The National Weather Service predicts the hot and dry weather will continue.

For more information, visit the Utah Fire Info website.