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(KSL News) With that fire in Neola raging, and a half dozen other fires burning around the state, two Salt Lake City newspapers take a stand.
In the opinion sections of both the Deseret Morning News and Salt Lake Tribune today, writers called for a ban on all private fireworks. They suggested fireworks be left to the pros for people to enjoy.
A.J. Perez said, "I don't know about banning all of them. Maybe cutting down on some of the more dangerous ones that can go up in the air and start fires. But not all the little ones and stuff. I mean, kids like to have fun, too."
Still, fire officials say conditions are ripe for wildfires. Grass is dry, it's hot and humidity levels are low.
Sgt. Chad Simons, a spokesman for Unified Fire Authority, said, "We understand fireworks are fun, people enjoy them, it's that holiday. But we do ask people this year to be a little more careful. Just take a look around where you're lighting and look at where the fireworks are going to go."
He says they have no plans to implement a fireworks ban. Restrictions are already in place.