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SALT LAKE CITY — Extremely hot and dry conditions in Utah have convinced one of Utah's largest grocery store chains to keep the fireworks they sell close to the ground. Smith's announced Wednesday it will not sell aerial fireworks this summer, even though they are permitted by law.
In another move, lawmakers have revoked one of last year's new fireworks rules. The window of time you can use them is much shorter this year.
Amateur aerial fireworks could be seen and heard all over the valley last summer. But not everyone appreciated the celebrating.
"We had complaints from people saying ‘I have to get up and go to work. It is bothering my dogs, my animals,'" said Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville.
So this year the old restrictions are back. Fireworks will only be allowed for a week surrounding the Fourth of July and a week surrounding Pioneer Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. On the actual holiday, you can set off fireworks until midnight.
"Whether or not these restrictions will decrease sales is hard to say," Dunnigan said.
New sales of aerial fireworks generated $8 million last year, and consumers will still be able to buy them — just not at Smith's.
Sometimes you just have to weigh everything," said Marsha Gilford, vice president for public affairs at Smith's. "From our perspective, we felt it was in the best interest of the community to take the aerials out of the mix."
Smith's executives worry about fire danger, and fire marshals say they appreciate that concern.
"I frankly think it was a very responsible move, very conscientious move on the part of Smith's and I applaud their decision," said Salt Lake City Fire Marshal Martha Ellis.
"We are concerned about the weather conditions because they are considerably drier than they were last year," she said.
That means people are going to need to be responsible, take precaution and follow the rules.
"I do think with people being able to set off this more exciting, funner type of firework in their neighborhoods that they will feel less of a need to get away out in the boonies where the fire dangers is high up in the brush and start fireworks," Ellis said.
Aerial fireworks will still be sold in some Smith's parking lots because they don't control the lease on those stands. Meanwhile, different cities have different restrictions. Checking with the city in which you live is the best way to find out what restrictions will apply.
The first day of summer came with fire restrictions for residents of Provo as well.
As of Wednesday, open burning within the city limits was restricted unless done in designated areas and target shooting was prohibited outside of the city's gun club, according to the Provo fire marshal.
Sometimes you just have to weigh everything. From our perspective, we felt it was in the best interest of the community to take the aerials out of the mix.
–Marsha Gilford, Vice President for Public Affairs at Smith's
"Fires, including open flame and smoking materials, in the foothills, areas bordering the foothills and any Provo City watershed areas are prohibited except in designated fire pits in improved campgrounds and recreation areas," the marshal said in a prepared statement.
Provo Deputy Fire Chief Gary Jolley said the city implements restrictions on fireworks every year, but decided to ban open fires this year in keeping with restrictions from the Forest Service and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. All of the restrictions have been prompted by dry conditions that have jump- started the fire season in the state.
"We have very low fuel moisture content," Jolley said. "We're trying to be proactive to prevent a problem coming up with with the holidays and a dry summer."
Jolley said it is as dry now as it usually is in mid- July. Provo residents need to be careful because of the foothills surrounding the city, but those with fire pits and barbecues need not worry as long as the fire pits are within city code.
"We're not telling people they can't enjoy fires and barbecues and that stuff, we just want to make sure they're safe and doing it in the right areas," Jolley said.
Under the restrictions, target shooting at anywhere other than the Provo Gun Club is banned. But Jolley said the city already requires residents to limit their use of firearms to designated or controlled fire ranges.
We're not telling people they can't enjoy fires and barbecues and that stuff, we just want to make sure they're safe and doing it in the right areas.
–Provo Deputy Fire Chief Gary Jolley
"We don't want them shooting because it's just too dry," Jolley said. "We're just trying to make sure we're taking precautions, not causing a problem."
The gun club has taken extra precautions itself, Jolley said, by having employees supervise the shooting and limiting ammunition to types that won't create a spark.
Off-highway vehicles can be used in areas where they are permitted if they are equipped with spark arrestors.
The restrictions will remain in place until withdrawn by the fire marshal and "will be aggressively enforced." Those found in violation could face a class B misdemeanor citation and a $523 fine.
Jolley said www.provo.org has more information, especially regarding the use of fireworks.
Anyone with questions can call 801-852-6321 or 801-852- 6210.
