County emergency manager proposes earlier burn window as dry conditions arrive

Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips told the Duchesne County Commission on March 23 that a 6–10 day forecast shows higher temperatures and lower moisture levels, and the county is currently at a moderate fire stage. Phillips proposed moving the spring open-burning window earlier, to March 25 through April 15, instead of the normal April 15 through May 15, and described the elements of Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Commissioners discussed the risk of negligent fires and the county’s authority to seek suppression costs from responsible parties. Phillips emphasized that calling in a controlled burn does not relieve a resident of liability if the burn becomes negligent or escapes containment. The Commission did not adopt a final ordinance that day; staff will bring an updated ordinance to a public hearing for formal consideration.

If adopted, the earlier burn window and Stage 1 restrictions would change when residents can legally conduct permitted open burns and may affect scheduled agricultural or land-management burning. The change is being proposed because officials said conditions are greening up now and short-term weather trends increase ignition risk.