Scofield Town Council ratifies emergency restrictions banning fireworks and open fires amid high fire danger

Scofield’s Town Council on Monday, June 29, 2026, unanimously approved an amendment (Section G) to the town’s Declaration of Hazardous Environmental Conditions that prohibits personal fireworks, most open fires and several ignition sources while elevated fire danger persists.

The amendment, read aloud by the council chair, cites "unprecedented and extremely hazardous conditions under the National Fire Danger Rating System" and declares that, until the declaration is rescinded or adjusted, the town will prohibit "all personal fireworks; all open fires of any kind" (propane fire pits excluded); "smoking except within a vehicle or enclosed area" (with an edit to limit the prohibition within 20 feet of vegetative matter); "the grinding, cutting and welding of metal" when within 20 feet of vegetation; and "operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in effective working order." The chair also read that violation of the ordinance is a Class B misdemeanor as provided by Utah law in Scofield’s municipal code.

Public commenters and council members emphasized recent high winds and extreme dryness. A resident described watching a large tarp become airborne and travel "clear up 20, 30 feet," saying the event demonstrated how unsecured materials or sparks could be carried downwind. A council member cited the Copperwood Fire, saying sparks there had "ignited other fires a mile and a half" away, as a reason to tighten local restrictions.

Council discussion focused on timing and scope. Several members said the order should remain in place until conditions materially improve; one council member proposed—and the council agreed—to clarify that the smoking and metalwork prohibitions apply when those activities occur within 20 feet of vegetative matter. The amendment text also directs regular evaluation so restrictions can be adjusted after monsoon rains, fall conditions or snowfall.

Council member (S3) moved to ratify the June 14, 2026, declaration with the added Section G and the 20-foot edits to sections C and D; council member (S4) seconded. After a roll call, the five members present voted to approve the amendment.

The declaration is now in force under the town’s municipal code; the council said it will review conditions and the order’s duration as weather and fuel conditions change. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.