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Brooke Walker reporting Fire departments in several Utah communities put in a lot of overtime this week.
In just the Salt Lake area, crews fought more than a dozen house fires. They Anticipate that this is only the beginning.
From house fires to wild fires, we've seen it all these last few days. Here in Salt Lake -- it's being called a coincidence. But officials anticipate more fires in coming weeks, and say those will most likely not be coincidence.
"We've had some really good fires."
The most recent consumed this abandoned building in Salt Lake. The call came in at 1 a-m. When firefighters arrived, flames had already spread to both floors. The building was declared a total loss, cause unknown. Those flames topped off an already demanding week.
Fire after fire. Homes in West Jordan, a business in Salt Lake.
Scott Freitag Salt Lake City Fire Dept..: "It just happens we have had a very busy week."
And it hasn't just been buildings.
Scott, Salt Lake Fire Dept.: "We see a lot of grass fires this time of year. Particularly when it's drying out and it's just warm and windy as it is.
Southern Utah can attest to that. Wednesday, a brush fire threatened homes near St. George. The resulting smoke was enough to briefly shutdown I-15.
"Very hot and very dry. And it will continue to be that way."
It's not only the temperatures that concern fire officials, but also the time of year. Salt Lake and other Utah fire departments are getting ready for the approaching holiday, knowing future fires will not just be chance.
Scott, Salt Lake Fire Dept.: "It's people actually getting themselves in trouble by not taking care of themselves or using fireworks improperly."
Also, by using illegal fireworks, heavily promoted by out of state advertisers.
Scott, Salt Lake City Fire Dept.: "Everything about those fireworks is dangerous to individuals or the environment, or both."
A number of Utah cities have issued restrictions on fireworks.
In Salt Lake City, the fire department restricts fireworks in all areas east of Wasatch Drive and west of I-215.
Legal fireworks may be discharged 3 days before and after Independence Day, July 4th, and Pioneer Day, July 24th.
Provo City's fire marshal says almost all areas east of 900 East will be off limits to fireworks this year.
Fireworks will also not be allowed within 20 feet of weeds, grasses, trees, shrubs, fences or structures in any area of the city.
Anyone caught violating the ban will be fined.
In Provo, several parks have been designated for discharging fireworks, including Exchange Park, Fort Utah Park and Footprinter's Park.
To see your city's map detailing the firework restrictions and a list a approved fireworks, click on one of the links on the right.
