FAQ’s

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Fire Code Regulations

Chinese Lanterns

By definition, the act of lighting a Chinese lantern and releasing it results in an unattended fire and unattended fires are a violation of state law. By tethering a Chinese lantern using a kite string or something similar the argument can be made that the lantern was not left unattended, but still extreme caution must be exercised as the responsible person will be held liable for any resulting damage and fire suppression costs. Events such as Night Lights operate under a special permit.

Tannerite and other exploding targets
Tooele County Code

6-17-8. Prohibited targets.

  1. No person within the unincorporated area of Tooele County, including state and federal public lands, shall use or possess with intent to use as a target any object, either solid, liquid, vapor, or particulate that will shatter, break apart, fragment, ignite, or explode, that may create a hazard or nuisance to any persons, property, public lands, wildlife, or livestock.
  2. This section does not apply to:
    1. any objects used as targets commonly referred to as clay pigeons, sporting clays, or objects of a similar nature; or
    2. any private property owner on his property, or any person on the private property owner’s property in possession of written permission from the property owner to engage in recreational shooting activities on the property.
  3. Persons who violate this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

Additional charges may be imposed for use during fire restriction periods. A suspect may be held liable for the costs of a resulting emergency response and/or damages caused. Fire Restriction documents can be found at: utahfireinfo.gov

Fireworks

Fireworks can only be discharged during the legal dates and times specified by state law, unless a permit has been issued to a licensed pyrotechnician by the respective city or county. Unless prohibited by an active fire restriction order, fireworks can be legally discharged on state and unincorporated private land during the legal dates and times. The responsible person who discharges fireworks and causes any damage or fires will be held liable and is subject to fire suppression costs. Legal dates: July 2 – 5, July 22 – 25, December 31, and Chinese New Year.

Burn Permits

While the online burn permit system should provide ample opportunity for county residents to accomplish seasonal burning, other opportunities exist. Unless the area is currently under a fire restriction order, you can request a burn permit from the Fire Warden. A site visit will be required and the necessary weather conditions must be present. Items not grown on the property cannot be burned. Recreational fires do not require a burn permit.

Fire Restriction Waivers

For certain necessary operations that would otherwise be a violation of a fire restriction order, a waiver can be requested through the Fire Warden. Fire prevention measures will need to be demonstrated and approved by the Fire Warden or an authorized agent. For federal fire restriction waivers please contact the appropriate agency.

Target Shooting

Fires caused by target shooting are a common occurence in Tooele County. Use extreme care and avoid using steel core/steel jacket ammunition (test with a magnet), tracer ammunition, and exploding targets in areas of dry vegetation. These items are prohibited when fire restrictions are in effect. Choose your target area wisely and be prepared with water and a shovel.