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Utah Statewide Rule

Utah Closed Fire Season and Burn Permit Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Utah (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Utah Code 65A-8-211
Closed season
June 1 to October 31
Clearing index
Minimum 500
Red-flag day
Permits void
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Utah State Legislature

Summary

Utah Code 65A-8-211 establishes a statewide closed fire season from June 1 through October 31, requiring written burn permits from the state forester or designee for any open burning, with red-flag warnings automatically suspending permits.

(2) (a) The period from June 1 to October 31 of each year is a closed fire season throughout the state. (b) The state forester may advance or extend the closed season wherever and whenever that action is necessary. (c) The state forester shall notify the public of the alteration of the closed season by posting the appropriate proclamation on the division's website and on the Utah Public Notice Website, created in Section 63A-16-601, for at least seven days in advance of the date the change is effective. (3) During the closed fire season, an individual is guilty of a class C misdemeanor if the individual sets on fire, or causes to be set on fire: (a) (i) a forest; (ii) brush; (iii) range; (iv) a field; (v) cultivated land; or (vi) a debris pile; and (b) without: (i) first securing a written permit from the state forester or a deputy designated by the state forester;

Source: Utah State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Utah Code 65A-8-211 imposes a statewide closed fire season annually from June 1 to October 31, which the state forester may extend or shorten by proclamation. During this period, no person may set an open fire on any forest, range, or watershed land without a written burn permit from the state forester or a designated deputy (commonly the local fire warden or fire chief). Permits are valid only when the Utah Division of Air Quality clearing index is 500 or higher and become void during National Weather Service red-flag warnings. Violations are class C misdemeanors. The statute also imposes personal liability for fire suppression costs caused by unpermitted or noncompliant burning.

Violations & Penalties

Open burning without a permit during closed fire season is a class C misdemeanor; violators are personally liable for suppression costs and may face civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a burn permit in Utah during summer?
Yes. From June 1 through October 31, any open burning on forest, range, or watershed land requires a written permit from the state forester or a designated local fire warden.
What happens if my fire escapes in Utah?
Under Utah Code 65A-8-211, a person who burns without a permit or violates permit conditions is personally liable for suppression costs and may be charged with a class C misdemeanor.

Sources

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