![]() "We have wildland interface all around us, and this is a risk not only to property but it's a risk to lives," he said. (Photo: Karah Brackin, KSL-TV)Ĭity officials ban fireworks, which Lieb says act unpredictably, in and around these types of interfaces because using them could result in a wildfire that burns down homes and communities. Fireworks are banned in all parts of the city around wild-urban interfaces this July. For instance, Salt Lake City's north, east and west boundaries all have wild-urban interfaces in addition to the parts where the Jordan River runs through.Ī sign indicating that fireworks are banned is placed in City Creek Canyon Thursday morning. He pointed to wildfires in communities of other Western states, like Colorado, that are designed in a similar fashion to cities in Utah. Lieb says most people think of wildfires in remote parts of the state however, the Wasatch Front could easily be at risk. This means that there is plenty of fire risk, at least for the Fourth of July holiday and possibly Pioneer Day, too. The Great Basin Coordination Center lists Utah as having above-average fire risks in June and July before it tapers off to normal in August with the help of monsoonal moisture patterns that are already impacting the state. The lone exception is the Left Fork Fire, which has now scorched over 4,600 acres in southern Utah. That's mostly been the case so far this year, where the average fire is about 21.5 acres as of Wednesday. The hope is that they can be extinguished quickly. Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb says the conditions over the past few years have resulted in a "foregone conclusion" that there will be wildfires. Over four-fifths of the state is listed in at least extreme drought. Cox, eying some of the patches of green in the canyon Thursday, said it's easy to be fooled by recent storms that have helped turn parts of the state green, though the moisture hasn't completely reduced fire risks.Ī map of Utah's drought as of Thursday. Violations of the state law can result in a fine of up to $1,000 plus possible additional costs if illegal discharge results in a fire.īoth July holidays have always come with the risk of sparking wildfires, but it's been trickier the past few years because of the ongoing drought that's made the state even drier than normal. Most cities and towns ban fireworks where they are most likely to result in fires, such as foothills, riverbeds and other open spaces near dry vegetation. They're banned on all public land managed by federal or state agencies, as well as unincorporated areas. Second, fireworks can only be launched in areas approved by local governments or the state. during those days, or until midnight on July 4 and July 24. First, fireworks can only be lit between 11 a.m. ![]() There's another open window from July 22 to July 25 for the Pioneer Day holiday. The window for the holiday closes on July 5. Though Utahns can purchase fireworks on Friday, they cannot be lit anywhere legally in the state until July 2, ahead of Independence Day, and in places approved by state and local governments. But if you are going to use fireworks, you have to use them responsibly." "If you're open to just skipping fireworks, it's a great year to do that. "Using fireworks in nonapproved areas - near dry grass and brush - and not having a proper way to extinguish a fire has been disastrous in the past and could be again this year," he said. The governor insists that personal fireworks are fine this year but only at the right time and setting. Spencer Cox, along with a group of state and local leaders and experts gathered at the mouth of the canyon Thursday to talk about fire safety during firework season. Class C fireworks go on sale in the state Friday for these holidays. That's a message that Utah leaders plan to heavily push over the next month, especially as Utah nears the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day holidays, the two summer holidays where fireworks can be launched. to help exercise good fire sense to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and to not burn the state down." "As you look at a day like today, where it's windy, hot and dry - those are the perfect conditions for a catastrophic set of circumstances," he said of the state's wildfire risks. However, he cautions that living around this scenery comes with major risks, especially in the summer. The sprawling hills surrounding Utah's capital city are one of the reasons Steed, the executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, calls Utah the home of the "best natural resources and the best natural amenities" he's ever seen. SALT LAKE CITY - Brian Steed admired the foothills surrounding him as he stood near the mouth of City Creek Canyon Thursday, a warm breeze passing by. Reading or replaying the story in itsĪrchived form does not constitute a republication of the story. Only for your personal, non-commercial use.
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