Wildland Fire Management, Utah Exec. Order No. 2016-6

This document was published in the August 15, 2016, issue (Vol. 2016, No. 16) of the Utah State Bulletin.

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Governor, Administration: Wildland Fire Management, Utah Exec. Order No. 2016-6

Issued: August 1, 2016

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EXECUTIVE ORDER

Wildland Fire Management

WHEREAS, consistent with Utah Code Section 65A-8-211, the period of June 1st to October 31st is a closed fire season throughout the State of Utah; and

WHEREAS, the danger from wildland fires is high throughout Utah; and

WHEREAS, above average wildfire fuel loads of wildland vegetation due to wet spring in Eastern Utah and average but higher than previous few years in NW Utah with mostly average elsewhere but that being more than previous 3 - 4 drought years; and

WHEREAS, current weather patterns in Utah are above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation; and

WHEREAS, fire indices are conducive to large, rapid fire growth; and

WHEREAS, current fire activity is increasing throughout the state, heaviest activity with largest fires recently in NW and North Central Utah; and

WHEREAS, many areas of Utah are extremely remote and inaccessible and conditions have the potential to greatly worsen if left unattended; and

WHEREAS, immediate action is required to suppress fires and mitigate post burn flash floods to protect public safety, property, natural resources and the environment should these dangerous conditions escalate to active wildfires; and

WHEREAS, these conditions do create the potential for a disaster emergency within the scope of the Disaster Response and Recovery Act of 1981;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah by virtue of the power vested in me by the constitution and the laws of the State of Utah, do hereby order that:

It is found, determined and declared that a "State of Emergency" exists statewide due to the threat to public safety, property, critical infrastructure, natural resources and the environment, effective for the month of August 2016, requiring aid, assistance and relief available pursuant to the provisions of State statutes, and the State Emergency Operations Plan, which is hereby activated.

IN TESTIMONY, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah this 1st day of August 2016.

(State Seal)

Gary R. Herbert
Governor

ATTEST:

Lieutenant Governor
Spencer J. Cox

2016/006/EO