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SALT LAKE CITY -- The first of July is the official start of Utah's very brief fireworks season, so you can legally get out there and set them off. But firefighters want to make sure you do it right, without hurting yourself or starting a wildfire.
There's an interesting situation this year. It's the lowest wildfire risk for July in at least a decade, and it's all because of cool, wet weather.
But green vegetation is already turning yellow, so the wildfire season is coming.
That's why the Salt Lake City Fire Department offered a demonstration Wednesday of how to set off fireworks correctly. You need plenty of clearance and a water bucket standing by and legal fireworks that shoot no higher than 15 feet and no more than 10 feet sideways.
Anything that shoots further or actually explodes is illegal.
Mark Bednarik, with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, said, "The reason these are illegal is because one, they can cause injuries, and another part is we're in a very dry area."
But no one is under any illusions. It's likely to get much hotter. Dunford said, "We're moving into a much higher-risk period of time.
The wet weather inspired a huge extra growth of vegetation. It will soon become extra fuel for wildfires and an extra good reason to be careful with fireworks.
"It's beginning to dry out as we speak," explained Bednarik. "If we continue with the heat spell that we're having now, by the 24th it will definitely be dry enough to burn very vigorously."
The rules are confusing, so have links to websites explaining the law and which fireworks are allowed.
Many communities have prohibited zones. Especially in foothill areas, you'd better check with your local authorities before you light that fuse.
E-mail: hollenhorst@ksl.com
