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ROOSEVELT— Concerned by the hot and dry conditions and wildfires burning across the state, a mom-and-pop grocery store said Wednesday it had decided not to sell fireworks ahead of the upcoming summer holidays.
Stewart’s Marketplace has historically featured a large section of fireworks prior to the July 4 holiday, but general manager Tyson Stewart said this year made for a different circumstance, specifically noting the fury and expanse of the Brian Head Fire.
“We thought it was best for the community to go ahead and do our part,” Stewart said.
Stewart said the final decision was made Monday after thorough discussions about the impact on the store.
“We anticipate we’re going to lose about $20,000 in sales,” he said.
Stewart, once a wildland firefighter, said the decision ultimately became an obvious one.
“I’ve been on fires that have, you know, blown up in better conditions than we have now,” Stewart said.
Stewart said he had learned from his parents and his grandparents, Percy and Erma — who founded the store in 1963 — to err on the side of the community’s interests. He said he believed the decision was one his grandparents would have made.
“That makes me really happy and proud to be their grandson and proud to have them be my grandparents,” Stewart said.
