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BOUNTIFUL — In anticipation of Pioneer Day, fireworks may be lit starting Saturday. But will anyone be shooting them off?
That's the concern of firework sellers, especially one local retailer who says business this year has been a bust.
In past years, I'd be restocking on July 1st, July 2nd, July 3rd, July 4th," said Olympus Fireworks owner Theron Watson.
Fireworks sales have fizzled this year. The owner of Olympus Fireworks, which runs 45 tents in the state, says sales are down 75 percent from last year.
"It's very difficult to survive that," Watson said.
He says the high fire danger and fireworks restrictions this season led to a wave of paranoia among consumers.
"Fireworks are still legal in many areas but people were so afraid that they just refuse to buy or light off fireworks over the Fourth of July," Watson said.
The manager of this TNT Fireworks stand in Salt Lake City feels that sentiment has crossed lines.
Fireworks are still legal in many areas but people were so afraid that they just refuse to buy or light off fireworks over the Fourth of July.
–- Theron Watson, fireworks stand owner
"People coming in and just yelling at us, people driving by saying stuff like, 'I hope you enjoy all the deaths you're causing,' " said manager Kimberly Baker.
No deaths have been reported as a result of wildfires started by fireworks. Still, sales have been cut in half.
"Last year was a really good year. This is like, feast or famine," Baker said.
She and Watson hope the recent rainfall and higher humidity will make a difference for the 24th. But fire officials say there's only been a slight improvement in weather, and that the fire danger is still there.
"It's very dry as you can see right behind me," said Utah State Fire Marshal Brent Halladay. "No moisture in our fine fuels and our other fuels. Still have our wind, and temperatures are up again."
He says fires have burned nearly 400 thousand acres in the state so far, and more homes and structures have burned this year than in any other year. He's not aware of any cities lifting or lessening any restrictions.
"It's just really, really catastrophic this year," Halladay said. "Fires start easier than I've seen them start."
But he says, fireworks can be safe if people use common sense.
Watson echoes that message, and hopes his business can recover.
"I just want people to feel comfortable letting off fireworks," Watson said. "The 24th of July is a great holiday to celebrate."
Halladay says fireworks have caused only one significant fire this year. They caused a few, smaller fires over the Fourth of July weekend, which were contained quickly.
