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‘Utah is a tinderbox.’ State fire leaders urge caution ahead of firework sales
SALT LAKE CITY — One spark, and Utah could go up in flames.
Maybe it’s not quite that dramatic, but state leaders are, again, reminding Utahans not to “burn down the state,” as firework sales start Friday.
Current drought conditions have made Utah a tinderbox. Fire danger is extremely high statewide.
In fact, 100% of the state is in drought, 83% of the state is in extreme drought or worse. pic.twitter.com/pB7GtOSJy7
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) June 23, 2022
Governor Spencer Cox gathered with city leaders, fire crews, and state fire officials Thursday pleading with Utahans to think before they celebrate the upcoming holidays with fireworks.
Fire crews joined Governor cox at a presser on fire safety ahead of firework sales in Utah. Photo Credit: Lindsay Aerts, KSL NewsRadio.
“I want to emphasize that they aren’t legal to discharge until July 2nd,” said the Governor. “And if you’re open [to] just skipping fireworks, it’s a great year to do that.”
Salt Lake City Fire Chief Carl Lieb says that city will have ample fire restrictions. Fire restrictions in Salt Lake include much of the east and west sides along urban interfaces and along the Jordan River.
A map of firework restrictions in Salt Lake County and Eagle Mountain. Photo credit: Utah Fire Authority.
West Jordan’s Fire Chief, Derek Maxfield says theirs will mostly be west of 5600 west.
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey said this year people should skip the home shows and instead go to the public firework shows.
“Things are so dry. Every community across the state is having to put restrictions in place for areas where [fireworks] are not safe,” she said.
She encouraged people to check where fireworks are restricted in their area.
Related stories
- Is it time to ban fireworks in Utah? For some, the answer is yes.
- Cities around the state announce fireworks restrictions
- Fires started by fireworks in Utah and north Tooele counties Saturday night
- Fire in St. George a reminder about fireworks safety and fire awareness
- As summer holidays approach, Lehi City announces firework restrictions
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