Kaysville fire uses humor, Utah history to ask public to ‘tame themselves,’ be firework safe

KAYSVILLE, Utah — Many fire departments and government officials from all around Utah are urging residents to be cautious over the Pioneer Day holiday as temperatures soar and drought continues to dry up vegetation.

But few do it with the same pointed Utah humor that the Kaysville Fire Department does, in what is apparently an annual post.

“Yes, I repost this class gem every year. Simmer down Whyitt,” the top comment on KFD’s Facebook post states. The picture with the article shows Utah historic figure Brigham Young with a backward ball cap and gold chains and a tongue-in-cheek mention of him. The post suggests residents are big fans of their past,

“It’s the week of the 24th and your heritage is on full display. You wake up every morning and whisper to yourself “this IS the place.”

The irreverent post pokes fun at Utah residents, names and the frequency with which firework-started fires burn parts of the state. The effort to grab attention apparently worked as the post had nearly 600 shares at press time.

With obvious sarcasm it reads:

Nothing says “I love you, Utah” like starting a 1,000 acre wildland fire because you shot off a bottle rocket while screaming “this is for you, Brigham!” So tame yourselves, Whyitt and McKenzleigh, and follow these safety tips:”

The tips, more important than the humor, mirror tips from officials around the state.

• Shoot fireworks in unrestricted areas and away from dry grass/brush.
• Secure mortar-style fireworks with something weight based, like rocks, to avoid having them tip over.
• Keep a water source, like a hose or a bucket, nearby.
• Do not launch fireworks near structures.
• Only handle fireworks as directed on their packaging.

Some officials suggested skipping home fireworks completely.

The Days of ’47 on Pioneer Day is a Utah tradition celebrating pioneers who walked across a vast portion of North America and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley where Brigham Young historically said, “This is the right place.” The annual celebration includes many events surrounding the state holiday, including a parade.

The Days of ’47 Parade starts at 9 a.m. in Salt Lake City. If you don’t attend the parade you can watch it on KSL5, streaming on the KSL TV app or at ksltv.com/live/ The parade begins at 9 am, and the route starts at South Temple and State Street. It runs east to 200 East and then turns South to 900 South. It ends at Liberty Park.

Several roads will be closed in Salt Lake City Saturday as the Days of ’47 parade and competing runners snake through town. Salt Lake City police said significant delays are expected. Officers will line the marathon and parade routes to keep spectators safe.