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Starting today, you can buy fireworks in Utah ahead of the Independence Day holiday, but you won't be able to light them until Monday. There's also a growing list of places you won't be able to use them at all.
One Roman candle, bottle rocket or firecracker can quickly set a field on fire. Fire spreads in the dry grass, and Utah is drying out quickly. In addition, heat is up and humidity is low.
"It's going to increase the risk for fires. So, if you're using fireworks, you want to make sure you're in an area that's not restricted, and an area safe to use them, so we can reduce the risk of wildfire," said Capt. Jay Fearnley of the United Fire Authority.
It's not only illegal fireworks that can get you into trouble. A sparkler, legal here in Utah, burns as hot as 1,000 degrees.
"Fireworks are designed to burn very hot; that's why they display the very bright effects. If you're using them in an area with high grasses, or an unsafe area, you could easily cause a wildfire," Fearnley said.
National Fire Protection Association numbers show that more fires start on July 4 than any other date of the year; fireworks cause half of them.
Two years ago, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. One-third of the patients were under the age of 15.
Firecrackers cause more damage than any other form of firework, but bottle rockets and sparklers are not far behind.
In the Salt Lake Valley, fireworks are usually restricted in the same areas each summer: above the Avenues, above Wasatch Boulevard and west of U-111. But some unincorporated areas in the valley are among the latest to see firework restrictions. From Herriman, to Draper, to Holladay to Cottonwood Heights, most restrictions are in the foothills.
Jason Curry of the Division of Forestry, Fires and State Lands isn't surprised. "You've got a lot of interfaced areas and all along the benches, and it seems like every year, the restricted area moves further down the bench," he said.
Provo City's fire marshal says almost all areas east of 900 East will be off limits to fireworks this year. Fireworks also won't be allowed within 20 feet of weeds, grasses, trees, shrubs, fences or structures in any area of the city.
You can light legal fireworks in legal areas between July 1 and 7 and between July 21 and 27. If you're unsure of restrictions in your area, call local authorities.
For a complete list of Utah approved fireworks, click on the related link to the right of this story.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
