St. George, UT Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in St. George, UT, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Who can order a ban
- City fire chief
- Where it applies
- Mountainous, brush, forest-covered areas
- Trigger
- Hazardous dry/windy conditions
- Notice required
- Posted at 3+ public places, city website
- Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor
Summary
The fire chief can order a citywide ban on open burning and ignition sources in mountainous, brush, or forest-covered areas whenever dry, windy conditions create a fire hazard.
As authorized by state law, the fire chief is hereby authorized to issue orders prohibiting open burning, open fires, or the use of any ignition source in any area of the city that is mountainous, brush covered, or forest covered if he has determined a hazardous environmental condition necessitates such an order. The order shall be in writing and shall be distributed as provided herein.
C. Areas Affected: The fire chief shall determine what areas are subject to the prohibition and the extent of the prohibition and shall identify the same in a written order. The order may also include a map outlining affected areas.
D. Public Notice: Copies of the written order shall be posted in at least three (3) public places within the city and on the city website.
E. Penalty: Any person who violates an order of the fire chief issued pursuant to this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. (Ord. 2016-11-004, 11-3-2016)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
St. George City Code § 9-9-2 lets the fire chief issue a written order prohibiting open burning, open fires, or use of any ignition source (fireworks, lighters, matches, smoking materials, welding, cutting, grinding) in mountainous, brush covered, or forest covered parts of the city once hazardous environmental conditions -- extreme dryness, wind, and dry vegetation -- make one necessary. The fire chief defines the affected areas, can attach a map, and must post the order in at least three public places and on the city website. This sits on top of the International Fire Code adopted citywide by § 9-9-1.
Violations & Fines
Violating a fire chief's burn-restriction order is a class B misdemeanor, punishable under the city's general misdemeanor penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open burning always illegal in St. George?
How would I know if a burn ban is in effect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
How St. George compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah fire regulations overview
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