Fire Department

The Town of Altamont Fire Department's mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all citizens and visitors from the adverse effects of natural and man-made emergencies.   Our goal is to provide a protection program through a cost-efficient approach to emergency response, fire code application and public fire education.

If you are witnessing a crime in progress or are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE

⚠️ TOWN OF ALTAMONT FIREWORKS & IGNITION RESTRICTIONS

Notice Date: July 21, 2026

Status: In Effect Immediately

Following an emergency determination by Fire Chief B. Jared Thacker and action by the Town Council under Resolution 2026-05A, a complete prohibition on all consumer fireworks and unregulated ignition sources is in effect within the municipal limits of Altamont.

Quick Summary at a Glance

Category	Status
Personal / Consumer Fireworks	PROHIBITED town-wide (includes sparklers, aerials, fountains, etc.)
Open Burning & Campfires	RESTRICTED town-wide
Timeframe	Covers the July 22 – 25 Pioneer Day discharge window
Permitted Professional Displays	ALLOWED (Only official, fire-department-monitored public shows)
Enforcement & Penalties	State Infraction with fines up to $1,000

Why is this ban in place?

Due to sustained heat, extremely low fuel/soil moisture, and dense cured grass/brush, Fire Chief Thacker has declared 100% of Altamont town limits a hazardous environmental zone under Utah Code § 15A-5-202.5(1)(b).

Because fine fuels are hyper-dry, any stray sparkler ember or aerial shell can instantly ignite a rapidly moving grass fire that threatens local homes, outbuildings, livestock, and volunteer fire department resources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to my private driveway or yard?

Yes. The prohibition applies to all property—public and private—within Altamont town boundaries.
Can we still go to the official Town fireworks display?

Yes. Formally permitted professional displays conducted by licensed operators with fire engine standbys on site are exempt from this personal fireworks ban.
How is this ban enforced?

Under Utah Code § 53-7-225(4), law enforcement officers and the Fire Code Official are authorized to issue citations. Discharging personal fireworks during this restriction is an infraction carrying fines up to $1,000.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all Altamont residents and visitors in keeping our community, farms, and families safe this holiday season."

— Town of Altamont & Altamont Fire Department

Notice Date: June 25, 2026

Town Residents,

In light of the extreme fire hazards and dry conditions across our state, the Town Council has officially passed a resolution to ban the use of all personal fireworks within town limits, effective immediately.

This decision was made to align with the Governor’s current State of Emergency declaration for Utah. With wildfire risks incredibly high, our top priority is protecting our homes, our community, and our local emergency responders who work tirelessly to keep us safe.

What You Need to Know:

The Ban: All personal fireworks—including sparklers, ground displays, and aerials—are strictly prohibited inside town boundaries.
The Reason: Utah’s current dry conditions mean a single stray spark can quickly escalate into a dangerous wildfire.
How to Help: Please talk to your neighbors and families to ensure everyone is aware of the new restrictions.

Looking Ahead to Longhorn Days

We know how much everyone is looking forward to our annual celebration! Please note that the Town Council will review local weather and fire conditions on July 20 to determine if any restrictions can be safely adjusted or lifted in time for Longhorn Days. We will keep you updated as that date approaches.

We know fireworks are a traditional part of summer celebrations, but we ask for your cooperation in finding safer ways to celebrate right now. Let's look out for one another and keep our town safe!

If you see a fire or an immediate hazard, please call 911 immediately. For non-emergency reporting, please contact local dispatch at 435-738-2424.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership in keeping our community safe. ❤️????

Utah Open Burn Permit Information

Before starting any open burn in Utah, residents are required by law to obtain a permit. This process ensures that burning is done safely and only when air quality conditions (the "Clearing Index") are favorable.

Official Permit Link: Utah DEQ Open Burn Permit Application

1. Who Needs a Permit?

Permits are required for anyone looking to burn yard waste (clippings, bushes, plants, and prunings) incident to property clean-up.

Prohibited Materials: It is illegal to burn trash, garbage, tires, oil, demolition/construction debris, or plastic.
Location: You must select your specific county or city within the application, as some local ordinances are stricter than state laws (e.g., Tooele City prohibits open burning year-round).

2. The "Clearing Index" Requirement

The "Clearing Index" is a measure of the atmosphere's ability to disperse smoke. You may only burn if the index is high enough:

Attainment Areas: Index must be above 500 (Spring/Fall) or above 250 (Winter).
Nonattainment/Maintenance Areas: Index must be above 500.
The application portal provides a real-time Clearing Index for today, tomorrow, and the following day.

3. Permitted Burning Windows

Burning is only allowed during specific seasonal windows to manage fire risk and air quality:

Spring: April 1st – May 31st
Fall: September 15th – October 31st
Winter (Attainment Areas only): November 1st – March 31st

Note: From June 1st to October 31st, additional permits from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) may be required due to increased wildfire risk.

4. Types of Permits & Fees

Depending on your location and needs, different permits may apply:

Open Burn Permit: Typically for yard waste and tree trimmings.
Agricultural Burn Permit: For recognized agricultural operations (often valid for 2 years).
Recreational Burn Permit: For specific cooking fires or fire pits (may require a one-day fee and inspection).

5. How to Apply

Visit the Online Application Portal.
Select your County or City from the dropdown menu.
Choose the Permit Type.
Check the Clearing Index displayed on the page. If the index is too low, the system will not allow you to complete the permit.
Fill out your contact information and the location of the burn.
Submit. Once approved, keep a digital or physical copy of your permit on-site during the burn.

Important Safety Reminders

Winds: Do not burn if winds are greater than 15 mph.
Supervision: Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible adult.
PROPERTY OWNER will be liable if Fire escapes control.
Extinguishment: Have a water source (hose/shovels) ready. All fires must be completely extinguished if a complaint is received or if weather conditions change. All Fire must be out cold, with no heat by dusk.
Notifications: All controlled burns must be reported to Central Dispatch after receiving your burn permit
number, call dispatch before you burn (435)789-4222 or (435) 738-2424
Burn window may close early due to fire weather conditions