Fire officials warn Utahns to heed firework restrictions, be smart


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SALT LAKE CITY — Fireworks stands across the state open Saturday as the state prepares for Independence Day and Pioneer Day.

However, like last year, fire danger is high and warnings are out.

There were more than 1,500 fires in Utah last year and about half were human-caused. Those fires caused a lot of damage to homes and property.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams reminded residents of the devastating fires last year.

"Some residents are still trying to put their lives back together from the fires that happened last year," he said.

Fire officials want to reduce those numbers this season, but are asking for help from communities and residents across the state. The combination of high heat, dry humidity and wind could be a disastrous recipe.

"That is a recipe for extreme fire behavior and occurrence, so we really want to caution everyone to be aware of that and to use good judgment as they prepare for holiday activities," said Assistant Fire Marshal Steven Higgs with the Unified Fire Authority.

UFA's tips for setting off fireworks
By Haley Smith

Fire authorities are warning residents of risks and restrictions associated with fireworks, especially as hot and dry weather continues.

Unified Fire Authority said the cool and wet spring produced a lot of vegetation that is now drying out and adding to an already heavy fuel load.

UFA said there is a limit on which days people can set off fireworks.

Fireworks can be discharged:

  • July 1-7
  • July 21-24, from 11 am - 11 pm
  • July 4 and 24, 11 am - midnight

Areas where fireworks are prohibited are basically the same as last year. If you have any questions, call your city for more specific guidelines.

As a general rule, residents should avoid setting off fireworks near areas of dry brush and grass or open fields.

The state has already issued campfire, smoking, and shooting restrictions in different areas of Utah.

Fireworks sales begin Saturday and firefighters will be on alert statewide. At the conference, Higgs and McAdams pointed out areas where fireworks are prohibited in the county Thursday afternoon. In the areas where it's legal, Higgs said it comes down to common sense.

"Even in those areas, we have to use good judgment," he said. "If there's any doubt, then I would say put it out."

Around the state, fire restrictions are already in place on federal lands and in the national parks. Several wildfires have broken out, and due to extreme fire danger, some campgrounds have been closed.

"The west is burning and it's early in the fire season," Higgs said. "We experienced these same conditions last year."

Higgs doesn't want to see a repeat of the number of fires last year. Even though fireworks go on sale Saturday, they can only be discharged July 1 to 7 and then again from July 21 to 27.

Fire officials say the safest way to enjoy the fireworks season is at a public display put on by professionals.

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Keith McCord

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