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SALT LAKE CITY — As Independence Day weekend approaches, Utahns preparing firework celebrations may want to remember crews are currently battling the largest wildfire in the U.S. in Utah, and have fought over 200 human-caused wildfires here in the last few months.
The majority of Utah has indefinitely been placed under fire restrictions. Residents are encouraged to use fireworks with extreme caution during the holiday weeks, according to Jason Curry, information officer with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
Fireworks
Fireworks are prohibited statewide year-round, except from July 1-7 and July 21-27. Fireworks are allowed on those dates between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., except for July 4 and July 24 when the hours extend until midnight.
Fireworks are never permitted outside city limits, and some cities may restrict the use of fireworks within city limits during the weeks when fireworks are allowed. Utahns thinking of using fireworks during the holidays should check with their city to make sure they use them within designated boundaries.
SHOWN IN GREEN BELOW, areas where fireworks are OK to use before July 1: (Hint, it's not OK anywhere) pic.twitter.com/cIATUBkSEB — Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 28, 2017
Fire restrictions =================
Utah is experiencing high temperatures, low humidity and extremely high fire danger. Due to these conditions, several Utah agencies have issued additional fire restrictions.
Beginning July 1, all state, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and unincorporated private lands in the following areas are under fire restrictions:
- State lands and unincorporated private lands in all counties except Summit, Wasatch and Cache counties
- BLM lands located in eastern Utah in all counties except Summit, Wasatch and Cache counties
- National Park Service lands including Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and Dinosaur, Natural Bridge and Hovenweep National Monuments
- National Forest Service lands in the Dixie National Forest
- Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation
- Campfires, except in permanently constructed cement or metal fire pits provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, or homes with running water available
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved, barren or cleared to mineral soil Fireworks, as well as metal cutting, welding and grinding activities in areas of dry vegetation, are prohibited on BLM, state or private unincorporated lands.
Those looking for more information can visit Utah Fire Info.
