SALT LAKE CITY — With thousands of visitors expected to spend their Fourth of July weekend enjoying the outdoors, the risk of human-caused wildfire increases. Fire restrictions are in effect across all public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Utah to help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect communities. The BLM wants to remind visitors to recreate responsibly this summer for your safety and to protect natural and cultural resources.

The BLM does not allow the use of fireworks on public lands, and encourages visitors to plan ahead, use Fire Sense and be aware of potential hazards such as high summer temperatures. “This fire season has ramped up so quickly that we are already concerned about burning out our firefighters and running out of resources. Already this year, about 370 wildfires have been human-caused in Utah. This means that 76% of the wildfires could have been prevented. We need everyone to use Fire Sense and follow the current fire restrictions to help protect communities and prevent devastating wildfires,” said BLM Utah State Fire Management Officer Chris Delaney.

Visitors planning to explore the outdoors for the Fourth of July weekend are reminded to follow the Leave No Trace principles to keep public lands enjoyable for the next visitors. The BLM gave the following tips on recreating responsibly:

• Come prepared, be flexible and respect other visitors, as well as natural and cultural resources on public lands.
• Check the weather forecast and be prepared for seasonal fluctuations.
• Check on the operating status of the area you plan to visit.
• Properly dispose of waste, including human waste, and pack out garbage if trash cans are not available.
• Fireworks and exploding targets cannot be used on public lands.
• Do not leave campfires unattended. Completely extinguish campfires using the “drown, stir and feel” method. Do not leave the site until the campfire site is cold to the touch.
• Park away from and not on dry grass. Ensure tow chains are not dragging and tow straps are secured.
• Observe fire danger restrictions on BLM lands designated as high-risk early in this fire season.
• Ensure spark arresting devices are properly installed and maintained on all internal combustion engines.