Utah officials have issued a reminder to the public to stay out of active wildfire zones as firefighters continue to battle the Bonneville Fire. The Bonneville Fire is still 566 acres and with 84% containment but some members of the public have decided it safe enough to hike through like this shirtless man who was photographed in a burn area near the University of Utah Hospital.
“We’re continuing to see many members of the public in the fire area. Ignoring the trail closures, and walking into the black. This is especially dangerous, as they could step into a hot spot or be close to where a flare up occurs. It is incredibly frustrating to take firefighters off the line working to stop and talk to the public in an area they shouldn’t be. Please help us help the firefighters and stay out for your own safety.” –Utah Fire Info
While firefighters are doing their absolute best to tamp down this wildfire, their biggest concern is the public’s safety. To be crystal clear, do not ignore trail closures and if no signs are posted do not hike into black burn scars as flare ups can and often do happen.
“The largest concern on the Bonneville Fire continues to be the public. Reminder….THERE IS STILL AN ACTIVE FIRE.” -Utah Fire Info
How To Prevent Wildfires:
Nearly 70% of Utah Wildfires are human caused and preventable. Doing these few small things can prevent an immense amount of devastation.
- Only start a fire in an approved fire pit or cleared ground, paying attention to local fire restrictions.
- Make sure your fire is completely out before walking away. Feel it with the back of your hand to make sure it’s cool.
- Use fireworks only during legal times and designated holidays.
- Use fireworks away from dry grass (and never on state and federal lands, and all private lands outside cities and towns).
- Use fire-safe ammunition, avoiding exploding targets and tracers (which are never allowed on public lands)
- Shoot targets away from dry grass and rock backstops.
Heading out on your summer adventures? Think twice about the potential impact of every campfire, firework, and spark. With Utah’s drought conditions and high fire risk these days, using common sense is more important than ever. That’s the core of Fire Sense, the new statewide initiative to raise awareness of fire risks and the steps we can all take to recreate responsibly. Doing your part results in cleaner air; reduced risk of damage to homes, private property, public lands, and recreational areas; fewer fire restrictions, healthier watersheds and fisheries, and a reduced loss of wildlife habitat.
