(St. George, UT) – With the approach of warmer temperatures, vegetation in Washington County is rapidly drying out. Our fire departments have already been busy fighting fires throughout the county, including our first large fire which has burned over 248 acres near the Town of Toquerville. As we move toward summer our fire conditions will likely continue to worsen. With this in mind, Washington County Emergency Services would like to remind all County residents and visitors of the importance of being cautious with fire. Please be careful with fire by:

• Making sure you can legally burn in your area. Check with local authorities and obtain a permit.

• Check the weather before you light a fire. High winds, high temperatures, and low humidity radically intensify fire.

• Choose a safe burning site away from trees or bush, buildings or other flammable fuels.

• Have a means to extinguish your fire quickly. (Water, an extinguisher etc.)

• Stay with your fire. Don’t leave it unattended.

• Don’t burn garbage, waste, construction debris, plastic, foam, rubber or other offensive substances.

• Don’t throw lighted material from vehicles, including cigarettes.

• Use fireworks with caution, obey fireworks laws and don’t use illegal fireworks.

• Always extinguish the fire completely before you leave it.

• Never park on, or drive through, dry grass.

If you live in a wildland interface area, be prepared for wildfire.

• Provide for defensible space around your home and out buildings.

• Have a wildfire action plan for your family.

• Have your important documents and disaster kits ready to go in an emergency.

• Leave early if a fire threatens your neighborhood.

Being safe with fire is an individual effort which provides benefits for all of us. For more information go to:

www.ffsl.utah.gov/firemgt/wui/wui.php