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A new Utah County fireworks law and dry conditions have fire officials alerting residents of fire restrictions for Independence Day celebrations.
"We're hoping that people will use common sense, and of course, obey the law," said Utah County Fire Marshall Dennis Barker in a telephone interview.
He said the new county ordinance makes it illegal to even be in possession of fireworks in certain designated areas-up the canyons, forested areas and BLM lands.
In addition to specific guidelines, Barker said that people need to observe firework safety rules including following package instructions, careful adult supervision of children and pets around fireworks, using fireworks outdoors away from houses and combustible materials, and keeping a bucket of water handy for emergencies and dousing used fireworks and duds.
People should also only use fireworks that are legal in Utah and never experiment with homemade fireworks.
Eagle Mountain City spokesperson Linda Peterson said, "We have a city ordinance that prohibits the use of fireworks in agricultural areas."
Eagle Mountain residents need to be aware that even an open field that is not currently under cultivation is classified as an agricultural area and is off limits to the use of fireworks, Peterson said.
She said that although the responsible use of fireworks within city limits will be allowed for the July 4th holiday, a decision has not yet been reached about fireworks for July 24th.
"We don't want people to just assume it's okay because of being okay for the Fourth," Peterson said.
City officials will consider climate conditions during the month of July and are expected to reach a decision by July 15.
Eagle Mountain residents are encouraged to check the city's Web site at eaglemountaincity.com for updates on guidelines for fireworks use on July 24th.
Cedar Fort Fire Chief Nyle Jacobsen said that Cedar Fort residents are asked to stay clear of dry weeds and other combustible vegetation when using fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
"Only use legal fireworks purchased in Utah. Those illegal bottle rockets and shooting fireworks really create a fire hazard," said Jacobsen. "By July 24th we may have to issue stricter regulations if it stays this dry."
Fairfield Mayor Lynn Gillies said that Fairfield has no fireworks regulations specific to their town, but people are reminded to keep the state and county laws and use caution when handling fireworks.
Saratoga Springs Fire Captain Dawnya DeKarver said that Saratoga Springs has not limited the home use of fireworks in residential neighborhoods, but the use of fireworks in the hills, undeveloped areas and open fields is prohibited.
"Everybody needs to be careful. We really don't want to spend the Fourth of July putting out fires," said DeKarver.¬ ¬ |
