The elevated status and declaration comes a day before Stage 2 fire restrictions go into effect statewide.
The restrictions ban all open flame in unincorporated areas, on state land and some national forests.
Anyone violating the restrictions could face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Cox’s declaration starts a 30-day state of emergency in response to escalating wildfires across Utah and unlocks all available state resources to protect people, homes, livestock and drinking water supplies threatened by wildfires.
More information about fire restrictions in Summit County can be found here.
