H.O.M.E.

What is H.O.M.E.

Our goal is to enhance community awareness and education on wildfire preparedness through our H.O.M.E. program—focusing on Habitat, Observation, Management, and Ecology.

We believe this initiative will be a valuable resource for residents, and we would love the opportunity to collaborate with your organization to help bring it to life.

Over the past decade, Tooele County has experienced several significant human-caused wildfires. The more notable incidents: Tabby Canyon Fire (2020) In May 2020, the Tabby Canyon Fire burned approximately 13,378 acres in Tooele County. It was determined to be human caused, specifically by an exploding target. Big Springs Fire (2020) In June 2020, the Big Springs Fire consumed about 2, 912 acres in Tooele County. It was determined to be human caused in the destruction of 11 structures. Little Pass Fire (2021) In April 2021, the Little Pass Fire burned approximately 1,300 acres in Tooele County. It was determined to be human caused. West Oquirrh Mountain Fire (2024) In October 2024, the West Oquirrh Mountain Fire burned up to 280 acres in Tooele County. It was determined to be human caused.
One of the biggest gaps in education regarding wildfires, particularly human-caused fires, is the lack of awareness about fire safety in wildland areas and its direct impact on wildlife. Many people don't fully understand how easily human actions, like discarded cigarette butts, improperly handled campfires, or even fireworks, can lead to devasting wildfires. This is especially concerning the areas close to wildlife habitats.

Although determining an exact number of wildlife affected directly by wildfires in Utah is challenging due to the dynamic of nature and diverse species involved, we know that wildlife and habitats are affected. In 2018, wildfires in Utah burned nearly 486,000 acres, impacting various wildlife species and their habitats. Additionally, Utah manages 42 threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, including 17 animals.

We would like to educate the community and bridge the education gap including: -Understanding how wildfire affects wildlife. -Preventing ignition in fire-prone areas. -The long-term effects of fire on ecosystems.

There are several organizations that do education on fires and wildfires. Being residents of Tooele County, we have an invested interest in protecting our county, the open outdoor recreation areas and wildlife Tooele County has to offer. Due to its larger outdoor recreation community, which increases the risk of human-caused wildfires and puts local wildfire and ecosystems at a greater risk. Here are the reasons our organization is passionate about this topic: -Increased human activity in fire-prone areas. -Protection of local wildlife. -Preserving Ecological Balance. -Sustaining the Outdoor Recreation Economy. -Long-term Ecosystem Health. By focusing on wildfire education for both people and animals. Tooele County can strike a balance between enjoying the outdoors and protecting its wildlife and habitats. This helps foster a more sustainable, fire conscious community.

Our organization has developed the acronym H.O.M.E. to promote community awareness on this important topic:

H – Habitat
O – Observation
M – Management
E – Ecology

By sharing this valuable information with the community, we can work together to foster awareness and preparedness. To make the experience even more engaging, we’ll be joined by one of our ambassador animals—Ace, a Red Fox—a species commonly spotted by Tooele County residents enjoying the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wildfire Prevention Tips – Tooele County, Utah

Tooele County’s mountainous desert landscape is covered in fast-growing, fast-drying vegetation, so wildfires are commontooelewildfire.org. Outdoor sparks – from campfires, machinery, or fireworks – can quickly ignite brush under summer’s hot, dry, often windy conditions. Below is a summary of current fire regulations in Tooele County and on nearby public lands, followed by practical safety tips for different audiences.

Burn Permits & Seasons:

Open burning (yard debris, leaves, etc.) in Tooele County is only allowed with a free state burn permit and only during the designated seasons (March 30–May 30 and Sept 15–Oct 30) From June 1 through mid-September (the “closed season”), no residential or recreational fires are permitted at all.

Fire Restrictions:

The Bureau of Land Management’s West Desert District (which covers much of western Tooele County) currently has Stage 1 fire restrictions in effectblm.gov blm.gov. Under these rules, no open campfires or cooking fires are allowed except inside developed fire grates (established grills) at campgroundsblm.gov. Propane or charcoal grills with shut-off valves are only allowed if fully away from vegetation. If the statewide fire ban is active, all outdoor fires (even in backyards) are prohibited.

Fireworks Laws:

Utah only permits Class C fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc.) on private or state lands during very specific holiday dates and hourstooelewildfire.org. Crucially, fireworks are illegal on all federal lands (BLM, Forest Service, national parks, etc.) and are banned when any fire restriction is activetooelewildfire.org blm.gov. (The only exception is a BLM‑permitted July 4th celebration on the Bonneville Salt Flats roadtooelecountysheriff.org.) Violation of firework or fire bans can result in fines or prosecution.

Local Ordinances:

Tooele City and Stansbury Park have their own rules: both prohibit backyard debris burning at all timestooelewildfire.org. (Residents there must haul clippings to landfill or compost instead.) Many local communities post burn-ban or fireworks-alert notices during summer. Always check official sources like Tooele Wildfire or UtahFireInfo.gov for the latest restrictions before any outdoor firework, barbecue, or burn.

Supervise All Fires:

Treat even a small grill or patio firepit with caution. Always watch children and pets around any fire. Keep grills and firepits on bare ground or gravel – not on dry grass – and clear 10–15 feet of leaves/needles from around the fire area. Remember: one spark can leap into the dry brush surrounding your home

Fire Pit & Grill Safety:

Only build a fire in a proper container or pit. If you dig a campfire pit (e.g. for a beach or backyard campfire), make it at least 18 inches deep into mineral soil and free of organic material (leaves, roots). Better yet, use a metal fire ring or commercial barbecue. Keep water or a fire extinguisher on hand, and never leave the fire unattended.

Fully Extinguish Fires:

When you’re done cooking or smores-making, drown, stir, and repeat until all embers are coldvisitutah.com. Pour water over the coals and stir the ashes; feel with the back of your hand (from a safe distance) to ensure no heat remains. A fire left smoldering overnight can reignite and become a wildfire.

When exploring Tooele’s trails and campgrounds, remember that even a tiny ember can start a wildfire in these dry forests and desertstooelewildfire.org. Before lighting a fire, check current fire alerts and restrictions. On BLM and Forest Service lands, Stage 1 fire rules mean no campfires at all except in built-in firegrates at developed campsitesblm.gov. If fires are allowed, only use designated pits or metal rings – never create a new fire ring. When you do have a fire:

Use Designated Pits Only:

Build your fire only in an official campfire ring or metal grill at a campgroundvisitutah.com. Clear all flammable materials (sticks, pine needles, leaves) within at least a 3–5 foot radius of the pit. Avoid fires entirely on windy days or if the fire danger is high.

Always Attend Fires:

Keep the fire small and manageable (just big enough for cooking or warmth). Never leave a fire even for a moment – unexploded embers can jump onto nearby brush. Make sure at least one responsible adult stays by the fire at all times.

Extinguish Completely:

Before going to sleep or leaving camp, fully extinguish the fire. Drown, stir, and repeat – pour water on the flames, mix up the coals and ash, then feel until everything is coldvisitutah.com. A “damp” fire is not safe.

No Fireworks or Explosives:

Do not shoot off fireworks, signal flares, or exploding targets in the backcountry. These are strictly illegal on federal landsblm.gov and can easily trigger a blaze. Leave firework celebrations for controlled events on private property during the legal dates

Pack Out Trash:

Carry out all garbage and spent ammunition. Dispose of cigarette butts properly – only stub them out in a vehicle or on bare dirt (not on the ground). Remember that even a small carelessness (like an uphill cigarette butt rolling into dry grass) can start a wildfire.

In farm and ranch areas, routine work must be done with wildfire safety in mind. A little dry grass caught in a mower or a hot exhaust pipe touching weeds can spark a fire. Before any work:

Burn Responsibly:

Utah only allows agricultural burns (crop residue, fence lines, orchard prunings) by permit during the open burn seasonsntfdutah.gov. In summer, do not burn fields or debris. Instead, pile brush safely, shred or chip pruning's, or compost them. Always check with the County Fire Warden before any large burn.

Maintain Equipment:

Regularly clean dry debris off tractors, combines, mowers, and other machinery. Remove built-up crop residue from engines, radiators, belts and pulleys, and under mower. Keep exhausts, mufflers and catalytic converters in good repair (install spark arrestors if applicable). Replace frayed belts and fix leaks promptly. Dusty, straw-clogged engines are fire hazards.

Vehicle & Field Precautions:

Avoid driving or parking farm equipment on dry grass. High speeds or dragging chains can throw sparks onto roadside brushvisitutah.com. Instead, move tractors and combines only over plowed ground or gravel. When welding or using torches for fence work, clear vegetation at least 10 feet around the area and have a fire extinguisher ready. Keep a charged extinguisher on every tractor and truckredrivermutual.com – a quick spray can stop a machinery fire from spreading.

Stay Ready:

Never refuel hot equipment – let engines cool before adding fuel. Cover chemical fires with dry soil or use the extinguisher; water alone may spread some fuel fires. In extreme drought, even throwing out a lit match can be disastrous. Keep emergency numbers handy and report any wildfire immediately. By following these practices, farmers can greatly reduce the chance of an accidental fire.

In Tooele County’s summer climate, every outdoor fire must be treated with extreme caution. Familiarize your family with the rules and prepare before you go outdoors. One less spark means one less wildfiretooelewildfire.org. Stay alert, stay informed, and help keep Tooele County safe and green.