Duchesne County to start Stage One fire restrictions April 1 as drought indicators rise

Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips told the Duchesne County Commission on March 30 that dry, low-moisture conditions have prompted plans to start Stage One Fire Restrictions for the county on April 1.

Phillips said the county is experiencing extreme low moisture levels and unusually dry timber this spring and described the Dry Fork Fire and how pine trees were scorched. He reported that engine resources are shifting regionally — Engine 05 has returned from Texas and will remain in the area.

Under the planned restrictions, residents may still apply online for burn permits but should expect case-by-case review by the Fire Warden; dispatch staff cannot grant burn permission. Phillips warned that if a controlled burn gets out of control, the responsible party would bear the costs.

County leaders emphasized that controlled-burning guidance and permit requirements will be clarified publicly; county staff discussed how restrictions and controlled-burn oversight will be enforced and communicated ahead of the April 1 start.