July 4th and Pioneer Day will bring more enjoyment and fewer accidents this year if consumers take safety precautions when handling fireworks. To help make this July 4th and Pioneer Day the safest on record, the licensed Utah Fireworks industry and the State Fire Marshal's office offer the following safety rules for people celebrating with fireworks this year:

* Buy fireworks in Utah from licensed fireworks stands or retail outlets.

* Select only safe fireworks that are legal for use in Utah.

* Always read and follow directions carefully.

* Never experiment with fireworks.

* Ignite outdoors away from buildings, dry grasses, trees or bushes.

* Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

* Allow enough room for proper functioning.

* Light one at a time.

* Keep a safe distance away.

* Never give fireworks to small children.

* Store in a cool, dry and safe place out of reach of children.

* Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.

* Dispose of fireworks properly.

According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Utah licensed fireworks industry, most injuries associated with fireworks are principally caused by misuse. Any fireworks used in Utah must be legal under Utah law and approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

In Springville, due to the high level of fire danger this year, Springville Fire Chief Phil Whitney has closed certain areas of the city for use of ALL fireworks.

Citizens are reminded that legal fireworks can only be set off in designated areas three days before July 4 or July 24, on both of those days, three days after those holidays, Jan. 1 and the Chinese New Year.

The closed areas are described as the AREA OUTSIDE the following boundaries: NORTH EAST BOUNDARY -- This area is designated to prevent any fireworks from being used within 1000 Feet of the Springville City/US Forest boundary near the foothills.

Starting at 1400 North Main (State Road 75) east to 150 East to 1150 North then east to Millpond Drive then South to 400 North 400 East. Then east to 800 East and south to 200 North. East to 1170 East and follow 180 North to 1300 East Center. Follow 1300 East to Canyon Road and east to 2450 East Canyon Road and proceed south to the Springville/Mapleton boundary line.

"We encourage all those living in the restricted area to take their families and fireworks to any of the city parks," said Whitney.

Whitney said that "firework" means any composition or device manufactured or used for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect ay combustion or detonation but does not include model rockets, toy pistol caps, emergency signal flares, snakes or glow worms, party poppers and wire sparklers under 36 inches in length.

Fireworks may be sold on or between June 20 and July 25, on or between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2 and 15 days before and on the Chinese New Year.

All fireworks retail sale locations must be under the supervision of a responsible person who is 18 years of age or older. No one under the age of 14 can sell fireworks at a stand, and any person under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult if they are selling fireworks at a stand.

Remember that the sale or use of unauthorized fireworks is a Class "B" misdemeanor. "Any person who sells at retail or discharges fireworks other than those listed by the State Fire Marshal is guilty," said Whitney. "We urge citizens to help make the coming holidays safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Related

• What does freedom mean to you?