Highest level of fire concern: Officials urge people to be cautious ahead of Pioneer Day
Jul 19, 2024, 7:00 PM
Fire danger is at the highest level and officials are urging people to be cautious during the Pioneer Day holiday. (Marielle Scott, Deseret News)
(Marielle Scott, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Pioneer Day is next week and local fire officials are asking the public to be cautious when lighting fireworks or building campfires.
Draper City Fire Chief, Clint Smith said the fire danger along the Wasatch Front is at level five.
“Is the highest level we can get to and that will tell you that those conditions across the state are very tenuous,” Smith said.
The consecutive wet years have replenished our reservoirs.
However, this has also resulted in an abundance of dry fuels due to prolonged periods of high heat.
Smith said the early fuels that we see in the springtime are now completely dried out and ripe for burning.
“We’ve already burned more acreage in the state this year than we did all in 2023, which tells you that we are in a high-risk environment,” Smith said.
What actions can we take?
Officials hope the public will be mindful of fire restrictions during the Pioneer Day holiday. They also encouraged the public to enjoy professional fireworks shows instead of hosting their own.
But if you do light fireworks, officials reminded people to be cautious and keep a bucket of water close to the fireworks to douse the embers before disposing of them.
