Fireworks for sale
Val Hale and Donna Milakovic
July wouldn’t be July in Utah without fireworks. With two major holidays during the month, both of which are celebratory in nature, Utahns love to break out the fireworks and have a good time around the 4th and 24th.
Val: Like most young boys, I was fascinated with fireworks. I loved our small-town fireworks display held in conjunction with the rodeo on the 24th of July. On the Fourth of July, I was especially captivated by the “blowing of the anvil.” Few people nowadays have experienced that amazing display of power, but I would arise early in the morning on the 4th of July to watch the men who used gunpowder to send a heavy anvil sailing dozens of feet into the air.
My main love, however, were the firecrackers, sparklers and bottle rockets we always seemed to have in abundance, despite their being illegal in Arizona and Utah, where I grew up. We found many creative uses for the fireworks, and life was always exciting when we were engaged in playing with controlled, miniature explosives.
Despite my deep love of fireworks, I readily admit that if they are not used properly, they can create huge problems, the most obvious of which is fire danger. With the recent drought conditions and record-breaking heat, one spark or flame from a firework can result in millions of dollars of damage. One irresponsible or careless person can end up destroying homes and significant amounts of vegetation.
The fireworks industry generates millions of dollars of revenue each year. The “loosening” of the laws a few years ago helped make available fireworks that are even more appealing than they were before. But as Donna points out below, the tax revenue generated from those sales doesn’t come close to covering the costs associated with fighting fires, some of which are caused by careless users of fireworks.
People need to use common sense when lighting off fireworks. They need to take a look around and determine if conditions are conducive to using fireworks. How is the wind? What is the condition of the potential fallout area? Is there anything close by that could catch on fire? If people will simply ask those questions before lighting a fuse, it could save a lot of money and energy and heartache.
The fireworks business is here to stay in Utah. It is ingrained in our culture. We all need to do our part to make sure our celebrations involving fireworks are safe and enjoyable.
Donna: Fireworks are a huge part of Utah’s July celebrations. With Pioneer Day coming up next week, we will see another big push from fireworks vendors and even local big box stores. While this is a big boon for Utah Valley’s cottage industry, the benefits have to be weighed against the dangers.
In 2012, over 422,000 acres of Utah land was damaged by forest fires with a price tag of approximately $50 million.
According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah’s portion of that bill was $16 million because federal lands were involved in many of the 1,000 forest fires of 2012. As of July 3, 2013 according to the Utah Fire Info website, an interagency information center with real time fire updates, there have been over 10,000 acres of Utah burned. Humans caused about ten percent of the forest fire damage. By contrast fireworks sales in Utah in 2012 were estimated at $17 million of which only a small portion came to the state in sales tax revenue.
Don’t get me wrong, I love fireworks and I believe families should be able to celebrate with them. I also support the efforts by our legislature to protect residents and resources in Utah by regulating the use of fireworks. I am aware that fireworks are not the only or even the main cause of forest fires, but they are one of the most avoidable causes.
As we look to the skies and enjoy the celebration of our heritage it is vital that we take responsibility for the environment we live in and follow fireworks laws. Earlier this year the dates and times to discharge fireworks were amended and set by the legislature.
My kids love to run out on the porch and watch amazing displays of fireworks bursting over the neighborhood. I will admit that I prefer professional displays over the amateur attempts of my neighbors. No matter your preferences, I hope you enjoy a fantastic and safe celebratory season this summer.
• Vale Hale is president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Donna Milakovic is the executive vice president of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.