WILDFIRE

18 fireworks-related wildfires over the July 4 weekend, officials report

Jul 6, 2020, 12:16 PM | Updated: 12:17 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Officials reported 68 fires over the July Fourth weekend, with 18 of them related to fireworks celebrations. That brings Utah’s total number of wildfires to 644 over the summer, with 520 determined as human-caused. 

Fireworks sparked a blaze on the Black Hill in St. George beneath Tech Ridge Saturday, fire authorities told St. George News. The city’s fireworks show started the fire, with fire crews standing by and prepared to put it out.

Fireworks set off another fire in Cedar City on the Fourth of July, burning roughly three acres and threatening several homes before it was contained. 

These fireworks fires come after the Traverse Fire near Lehi on June 28 burned over 400 acres overnight, causing roughly 42 homes to evacuate. State officials blamed the flames on fireworks — which didn’t become legal in the state until four days later. Even if they had been lit during the legal fireworks period, the area in which the fire started was a restricted one. 

Fireworks are only legal to light in Utah during the period two days before and two days after a fireworks-approved holiday, according to a law passed last year by the Utah Legislature. That includes the Fourth of July, Pioneer Day, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. 

Even during the legal fireworks timeframe, fireworks remain restricted in some areas. The new law passed in 2019 increased the fines for lighting fireworks in restricted areas — charging anywhere from $500 to $1,000. 

Related stories

Utah Fire Season: Do’s and Don’ts of fireworks during holiday weekend

Fire officials warn of hazardous conditions for the Fourth of July weekend

Fireworks at home: Risks and safer alternatives, as sales skyrocket

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Wildfire

texas wildfires...

Associated Press

Wildfire grows into one of largest in Texas history as flames menace multiple small towns

Known as the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest blaze expanded to more than 1,300 square miles and jumped into parts of neighboring Oklahoma.

29 days ago

After starting the new year with poor air quality, Utah may finally be able to take a breath and fi...

Heather Peterson

New black carbon sensor is more portable but just as accurate, study finds

A new study from the University of Utah finds that recently released black carbon new units are just as accurate in detecting black carbon, but they are more portable and affordable.

1 month ago

Cane toads produce poison in large glands perched on their shoulders that's fatal for some animals....

Hilary Whiteman, CNN

This warty, toxic pest threatens entire ecosystems. These scientists have a secret weapon

Originally Published: 19 JAN 24 18:42 ET Updated: 19 JAN 24 21:50 ET Brisbane, Australia (CNN) — On the edge of a dark, suburban park in Brisbane, teams of volunteer toad-catchers gather around Gary King as he shoves another squirming specimen into a cooler box. “Who’s got some more?” asks King, a local leader of […]

2 months ago

When officials arrived at the scene of a housefire in Deweyville in the overnight hours of March 7,...

Curt Gresseth

Firefighters’ chili cook-off raises money for burn camp and survivors

A Utah firefighter and a burn survivor talk about an upcoming chili cook-off to support a burn camp program.

5 months ago

Fire danger is on the rise across the state, thanks to the wind blowing and drying things out. Wind...

Heather Kelly

Health-related issues from wildfire smoke are on the rise

Wildfire smoke is causing health-related issues to increase in certain parts of the United States.

6 months ago

Traffic travels along I-80 in Salt Lake City's Parleys Canyon....

Dan Bammes

Wind prevents Friday prescribed burn in Salt Lake canyons

The burn piles are ready to go, however, and the prescribed burn may begin on Saturday if conditions are right.

6 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

18 fireworks-related wildfires over the July 4 weekend, officials report