(Cedar City, UT) - Due to recent rainfall associated with the monsoon weather pattern and the subsequent reduction in the risk of wildfire at the higher elevations, all fire restrictions on Dixie National Forest lands currently in effect will be lifted as of midnight on Friday, August 3, 2012. This only includes lands administered by the USDA Forest Service Dixie National Forest (Pine Valley, Cedar City, Powell, and Escalante Ranger Districts). The monsoonal moisture has affected some areas more than others in SW Utah and NW Arizona. This moisture is allowing fire officials to remove fire restrictions in some areas while in other areas fire restrictions remain unchanged.

Forest visitors are now allowed to have campfires or charcoal fires in all locations.While fire restrictions have been lifted in these areas, wildfire is always a risk. Visitors are encouraged to use appropriate methods to contain fires, build them in areas free of vegetation, and to be certain that fires are completely extinguished after use. Note that discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other incendiary devices in any location on federal lands is always prohibited.