The order, according to Cox’s office, is meant to “improve coordination among state, local, and federal partners ahead of the 2025 fire season.”

“I’m incredibly proud of Utah’s firefighters and first responders,” the governor said in a prepared statement. “Their courage and dedication set the standard — and this executive order builds on their work by improving coordination and focusing our efforts where they’re needed most. This is about making sure we’re ready before the next fire season begins.”

The executive order establishes a new working group focused on wildfire management, made up of leaders from state agencies including the Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, the Department of Public Safety, and the Division of Emergency Management.

Cox tasked the group with identifying the highest-risk areas, improving coordination across jurisdictions, and submitting a report that includes recommendations for the governor. He set a deadline of June 1.

“When it comes to wildfires, the unexpected has become the new normal,” said Jamie Barnes, state forester and director of the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.” Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our planning efforts can help reduce risks to watersheds and landscapes across the state – and strengthen our overall wildfire preparedness.”

In his order, the governor also included a call to Utahns to prepare their own families and households for wildfire danger. He recommended:

• Have an emergency supply kit, make a plan, and be informed.
• Review the Utah Fire Sense and Be Ready Utah preparedness campaigns.
• Sign up to receive local emergency alerts by visiting your county and city websites.
• Review and understand your insurance coverage.
• Know evacuation routes.
• Don’t forget to include pets and other animals in emergency planning.
• Gather and protect important documents.
• Create a defensible space around your property.
• Ensure fire hydrants are accessible during all times of the year.
• Maintain, update and test smoke detectors and fire suppression systems.

“In addition to the immediate dangers wildfires pose, Utah also faces serious post-fire risks — including flooding and debris flows — that can devastate communities long after the flames are out,” Cox’s office said in Monday’s news release. “The order acknowledges these threats and calls for a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to mitigation and preparedness.”

The governor’s office also said the executive order “builds on the success” of the Utah Fire Sense Campaign, “which helped reduce human-caused wildfires by nearly 75% from 2020 to 2023.”

“It also reflects the administration’s deep appreciation for the bravery and commitment of Utah’s state, local, and federal firefighters — whose efforts help protect both lives and natural resources across the state,” the office said.

The executive order took immediate effect when it was signed Monday. It’s set to expire on June 1.

Utah News Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.