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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — The skies in Cottonwood Heights will not be as colorful as in years past this Pioneer Day.
The city council voted unanimously Tuesday night on a temporary ban on aerial fireworks that reach more than 15 feet in the air. Within Cottonwood Heights city limits, aerial fireworks are banned starting Wednesday through Dec. 29, 2017.
This decision comes on the heels of several brushfires in Cottonwood Heights that investigators say were caused by fireworks.
The council passed the ordinance in response to extreme fire danger in the area due to high temperatures and shifting winds around Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Once the ban is over, city leaders plan to re-evaluate the danger.
“Council members also expressed sympathy for those who may have already purchased personal aerial fireworks, along with businesses that sell banned items,” a council statement read.
Council members acknowledged this new ban will be tough to enforce on short notice to Pioneer Day, but they hope the Cottonwood Heights community will help keep people responsible and report any suspicious activity.
The council also hopes the state Legislature "can follow suit" and address the issue of fireworks danger on a state level.
