Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Police and fire officials are sounding the alarm on fireworks restrictions this Independence Day, as well as sending out patrols to keep an eye on holiday celebrations.
The dry conditions throughout Utah have emergency officials worried that celebratory fireworks could ignite the next fire. This concern has crews out on patrol in some communities, looking for people who might be lighting fireworks in restricted areas.
But prevention starts with education, especially since new laws allow Utahns to light bigger and more powerful fireworks. Crews are driving around North Salt Lake, Bountiful, and Clearfield areas to find those who might be breaking the rules.
As residents make the last minute holiday rush to fireworks stands, they're also asking experts like Sam Johnson, a fireworks stand owner in Bountiful, where to light fireworks this holiday weekend.
"We actually have maps of where we can shoot and what you can shoot," Johnson said. "And how to help you have a safe time shooting fireworks." Residents Brian and Amy Plummer know Independence Day isn't complete without fireworks.
To them "family, fireworks, food and fun," describe the holiday but they said they're also careful with their fireworks. "We have the buckets of water to put the used stuff in," said Amy Plummer.
Cities have displayed large signs in different areas reinforcing fireworks restriction areas.
"Those areas are set for your safety," said South Davis Metro Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Bassett.
Just because you're in a non-restricted area, doesn't mean everything is safe. Do you have an open field next to you? If you do maybe that's not the best place to start fireworks.
–Jeff Bassett, South Davis Metro Deputy Fire Chief
Bassett said that if someone lit fireworks in the foothills of Bountiful, firefighters would face the added challenge of dealing with current weather conditions and vegetation.
"If it got into the scrub oak, where it would start emitting embers, and if we had any wind it could carry over," Bassett said. "As dry as this is here now, that would run the entire canyon. It'd be a hard fire to fight."
Bassett also said water usage restrictions in the state could hamper efforts for firefighters to battle flames. Officials are also reminding people to use some extra caution and common-sense outside of restricted areas, as well.
"Just because you're in a non-restricted area, doesn't mean everything is safe," Bassett said. "Do you have an open field next to you? If you do maybe that's not the best place to start fireworks."
Bassett also said even sparklers, smoke bombs or fireworks that don't explode may seem safe in non-restricted areas but there are no guarantees for safety.
"They have a high flashpoint. They're hot," Bassett said. "It's still a hot ember, and you need a lighter to light them."
Bassett said crews will patrol neighborhoods throughout the weekend. The overall message from police and fire officials is they want families to enjoy the holiday weekend but they want everyone to stay safe.
And since Utah doesn't have a general fireworks restriction policy, Bassett said everyone is responsible for knowing the restrictions in their own cities and counties.
"The consequences could be huge if you do a start fire," Bassett said. For those igniting fireworks in non-restricted areas, Bassett recommended having a bucket of water nearby and soaking fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash.
