WILDFIRES
Errant Fireworks In Restricted Area Strike Police Car, Ignite Grass Fire

HERRIMAN, Utah – Dashcam video released by the Herriman City Police Department shows the moment an errant firework in a restricted area struck and damaged a marked patrol car. Another firework ignited a grass fire.
The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday while the officer was on patrol and watching for illegal Pioneer Day fireworks,
Video showed the officer driving down a dead-end street in an unidentified part of the city, with fireworks shooting into the air just past the blocked-off road.
As the officer approaches, an individual just off the road could be seen casually moving around near the street. When the emergency lights were activated, the man suddenly attempted to run away.
Officials said there was a small group illegally discharging fireworks in an area designated as restricted.
Fireworks Strike Patrol Car, Ignite Field Fire
Dashcam video released by the Herriman City Police Department shows the moment an errant firework in a restricted area struck and damaged a marked patrol car. Another firework ignited a grass fire.
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Thursday, July 25, 2019
Just after the officer arrived on scene, a mortar-type firework malfunctioned. Fireworks could be seen shooting in several directions, low to the ground.
One of these mortar rounds hit the grill and front-engine block of the officer’s squad car and ignited. The vehicle suffered minor damage.
Officials said the officer was not hurt.
Another mortar round ignited dry grasses and started a small fire. Crews from the Unified Fire Authority were called to the scene and quickly extinguished the blaze.
The officer issues a misdemeanor citation to the adult male responsible for lighting the fireworks. His identity was not released.
With the dry conditions around the state, and additional dry fuel for fires due to the wet spring, officials urged residents to follow safety guidelines and active restrictions when using fireworks.