People who start wildfires can face more than a citation, especially in a season when firefighting costs are already climbing across the West.
KUER reported that state and federal agencies can try to recover suppression costs from people who start fires, which can include crews, equipment, aircraft, food, land use, and camp support.
Utah officials said fire costs are already above $20 million this season, while 2025 was the state’s most expensive wildfire year on record at more than $191 million, according to KUER.
For homeowners, campers, and anyone planning fireworks, outdoor burning, or roadside work in dry conditions, one preventable ignition can become a legal and financial problem after the fire is contained.
Firefighting Costs Add Up Quickly
The U.S. Forest Service told KUER that a 20-person firefighting crew can cost about $11,000 per day.
Aircraft can raise the bill much faster. KUER reported Forest Service estimates of about $2,100 per hour for a helicopter, $3,200 per hour for a single-engine airtanker, and $8,500 per hour for a heavy airtanker.
Utah Has a Cost-Recovery Process
Utah administrative rules say the state tracks suppression costs for all wildland fires, including fires suspected to have been started by human activity.
The same rule says fires suspected to be human-caused should be investigated as thoroughly as possible. Another Utah rule requires participating entities to make a good-faith effort to recover suppression costs for negligently caused wildland fires.
That process makes the cause of a fire important long after crews leave the scene. Investigators may look at where the fire started, what activity was happening nearby, and whether the ignition could have been prevented.
Fireworks Are Restricted During Severe Fire Conditions
Gov. Spencer Cox announced temporary statewide fireworks restrictions after officials described historic wildfire conditions in Utah. His office said 94% of the state was in severe or extreme drought and that human activity had caused at least 75% of Utah’s wildfires this season.
The governor’s office said the order gives local leaders authority to designate safe areas for fireworks in consultation with fire officials. Where safe areas are not designated, personal fireworks are restricted through the covered period.
Dry Yards and Outdoor Flames Need Extra Caution
Residents should check local fire restrictions before lighting fireworks, burning debris, using a fire pit, or doing outdoor work that can throw sparks into dry vegetation.
Around homes and cabins, dry grass, brush, leaves, firewood, and other combustible material should be kept away from structures before holiday gatherings or outdoor work begins.
During wind, red-flag warnings, drought, or local fire bans, skipping fireworks and outdoor flames can prevent a fire response that later becomes part of a cost-recovery investigation.