The following is a press release from Bureau of Land Management Officials in Utah:

West Valley City, Utah—Increasing wildfire risk and recent fires in western Utah have prompted BLM-Utah West Desert District officials to implement fire restrictions beginning June 20, 2014, on BLM-managed lands in Tooele, Utah, Salt Lake, Rich and Box Elder Counties.

The West Desert District fire prevention order prohibits using steel-core, steel-jacketed, tracer or incendiary ammunition; sky lanterns or balloons and similar devices; and operating off-highway vehicles without spark arrestors. A key provision of this order also extends to possession of fireworks and exploding targets, which should be left at home when visiting public lands. The fire restriction on steel ammunition will be in effect through Sept. 30, 2014. All other fire restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.

“These fire restrictions are limited to activities that easily start wildfires in dry grass and brush; however, campfires are not included at this time,” said Justin Kincaid, West Desert District Fire Management Officer.

Kincaid reminds outdoor enthusiasts to always use caution and be prepared when recreating in the West Desert during the dry summer months. He recommends keeping water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher handy.

For more details, contact the West Desert District Office at (801)977-4300 or refer to the order posted at: http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/fire_restrictions/restrictions.html. This fire prevention order will also be posted on signs where BLM lands are accessed in the five western Utah counties affected.