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ST. GEORGE — Typically, the state’s closed fire season – which dictates when and where open burning is allowed – ends Oct. 31 as cooler temperatures and a measure of precipitation roll in, but such is not the case this year.
With a longer than usual wet spring followed by such a long dry spell, Utah State Forester Brian Cottom has extended the closed fire season and subsequent restrictions in southwest Utah by an additional two weeks, moving the end of the season to Nov. 15.
The move was done after consultation with the county commissions of Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties, according to a press release from Utah Department of Natural Resources.
While in session Tuesday, the Washington County Commission signed a resolution supporting the state forester’s proclamation extending the closed season.
“If you remember, we had a fairly wet spring that extended into what would be our normal fire season,” Hurricane Valley Fire Chief Tom Kuhlmann said to the commission when asked to comment on the resolution. “We (now) have a lot of grass and other fuels growing faster and longer than normal.”
Read the full article at St. George News.
