SWEETWATER COUNTY – The Sweetwater County Commission passed a motion at the July 2 meeting that allows County Fire Warden Dave Bottemiller to enact a fire restriction if three out of five conditions are met. Conditions include variables like fuel, moisture and energy rating as well as the rate of human-caused fires and the strain on firefighting resources.

Bottemiller said he hopes to avoid a fire ban because of the hardship it places on people enjoying outdoor recreation. The fire restriction passed at the July 2 commission meeting will only come into effect when signed and dated by Chairman Wally Johnson.

The arrangement allows Bottemiller to enact a ban before the next board meeting if necessary.