Interactive Map Shows Fireworks Restrictions In Salt Lake County
Jun 2, 2021, 3:24 PM | Updated: Jun 22, 2021, 11:59 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Many communities have already enacted restrictions on fireworks due to severe drought conditions, and Salt Lake County has released an interactive map to make it easier for residents to find out where those bans are in place.
Officials said the map will highlight areas with fireworks restrictions in red, and it will be updated daily as more communities enact their own restrictions.
Millcreek and Holladay have already added firework bans for parts of their municipalities.
Firefighters said they will be cracking down on firework ban violators, and those responsible for starting a fire will be held responsible – even if it’s your child.
“Including the kids, so if your kids are playing with fireworks in a restricted area or outside of the approved timeframe, you’re going to be liable,” said Fire Chief Dan Petersen with the Unified Fire Authority.
On Monday, Salt Lake County leaders called upon residents to hold off on setting personal fireworks this summer and to enjoy professional fireworks shows instead.
While that is disappointing to many people, Mayor Jenny Wilson said fire danger is too high to risk it this year.
“I just want to emphasize this grave risk and ask people to really do the right thing,” said Wilson.
“Just because you’re in an area that allows fireworks or doesn’t have a ban, doesn’t mean you should use them,” said Aimee Winder Newton, a Salt Lake County council member.
Newton said her family has already made adjustments to their holiday plans because of the extreme risk of fire danger.
“Instead of lighting off fireworks in our circle with our neighbors, like we usually do, we’re going to have a barbecue. We’re going to play some games, and we’re going to have a great time celebrating our independence and Pioneer Day,” said Newton.
To ban fireworks statewide, the Utah State Legislature would have to get involved, so the mayor has asked cities to enact local bans and individuals to do the right thing and not light fireworks.
“Our fire crews are strained,” said Wilson. “They are doing a great job. They’re working overtime.”
“The more fires we have, the less resources are available to fight those fires. What we’re talking about here today is one way to help us prevent increasing the volume of fires so we can better utilize the resources we do have,” said Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham.
Any resident can find the legal status of fireworks in their community by going to slco.org and typing in their address.
If fireworks are legal, officials said they can only be set off between July 2 and July 5, as well as July 22 to July 25.
Both Sandy and Draper have had substantial fires caused by fireworks in recent years.
“With our unprecedented drought and high temperatures, we need common sense to play a role as well,” said Rep. Suzanne Harrison, (D-Sandy, Draper). “I urge people to celebrate the holidays safely.”
Officials said to plan ahead, find a fireworks show nearby and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals this year.
