Fireworks are legal through July 5th in Utah, but not everywhere
Jul 2, 2020, 7:56 AM
It's "all hands on deck" for Utah firefighters this week as the Fourth of July approaches. Firefighters have taken a few different measures. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday, July 2nd is the beginning of the window to legally light fireworks in Utah.
Utah law dictates that the window is open between July 2 and July 5 for Independence Day. It opens again July 22 and extends through July 25 for Pioneer Day.
But you can’t set off fireworks just anywhere in the state. There are statewide restrictions and city or county restrictions based on place and time.
In general, state-owned and federally-owned land, especially in the foothills and mountains along the Wasatch Front, are off-limits.
The State Fire Marshal’s website lists those restrictions.
Utah law also states that residents can only light fireworks between 11 am and 11 pm.
Firefighters and the 4th of July
Unified Fire Authority spokesman Mathew McFarland says firefighters love Independence Day, but, it is a very busy time for them. They all work extra shifts to be prepared to put out any brush fires, house fires, or wildfires that begin with fireworks.
He says if residents are lighting their own fireworks, they need the right resources and to know what to do if something goes wrong.
“Don’t assume you can put out a small fire. Because fuel, weather and topography play a huge part in this. Quickly they can get a small fire out of control, and it can become a dangerous situation,” he said.
McFarland says every year they see a huge uptick in dumpster fires and garbage can fires that result from hot fireworks.
He says make sure to have a bucket of water nearby.
“When you are done, after it has cooled 20 minutes, put the firework in that bucket of water and let it cool 24 hours before you move it to the garbage can,” he said.
See more of McFarland’s tips in this video he posted on Herriman City’s Twitter account.
With the 4th of July holiday approaching, and conditions setting themselves up for high fire danger, @FireAuthority‘s Matthew McFarland helps us understand when/where we can use fireworks, the safety risks associated with fireworks, and how to report a violation or emergency. pic.twitter.com/lVQeCucTwc
— Herriman City (@HerrimanCity) July 1, 2020
