With fires burning all around the state and the west, this year firework safety is more important that ever.
“This could be a wild year,” said Price City Fire Chief Paul Bedont. “The fire danger around the area is extremely high.”
It’s not hard to see that Bedont is right. Heavy growth from the heavy moisture in the winter and the spring is adding up and as the heat has set in weeds and dry grass are everywhere.
Fireworks have always been associated with the summer holidays, but beware there are also risks involved if fireworks are used improperly both in terms of injury to those around them and fires that could result.
“Every year we respond to numerous fires and injuries as a direct result of fireworks,” said Bedont. “All of these injuries and fires were preventable. This year forest lands, range land and vacant lots will present some serious fire risks. Over the next few weeks the meteorologists predict high temperatures and low humidity. Couple these factors with an unusually high amount of dry springtime grasses and you have a recipe for disaster.”
Since fire conditions in Carbon County are at extremely dangerous levels, extreme caution should be used by those that decide to discharge fireworks. Last year fire departments in Carbon County responded to numerous reports of illegal fireworks landing on top of homes. Fortunately there was no serious damage to the homes, but the risk to homes and people was unwarranted.
“If you decide to discharge fireworks be especially careful to discharge them in areas with low or no vegetation,” said Bedont. “Many types of decorative shrubbery can ignite violently and spread to homes. Read and adhere to the safety distances printed on the label. Most aerial fireworks can travel over 150’ so make sure your display area is devoid of buildings, combustible fences and dry vegetation.”
Only approved Class “C” Common Fireworks may be purchased and ignited in Utah. There are thousands of approved fireworks which are sold within the state. The possession or discharge of illegal fireworks, most of which are purchased outside of Utah and illegally transported into the state, is a class B misdemeanor and carries some hefty fines.
Damage liability
“If you discharge any firework, legal or illegal, and it causes injury or fire you can be criminally and civilly liable for all damages including suppression costs,” reminded Bedont.
The laws on fireworks are clear when it comes to discharging them. Approved Class “C” Common Fireworks can be legally sold beginning June 23rd through July 27th and December 29th through December 31st. Approved Class “C” Common Fireworks can be legally discharged July 1 through July 7, July 21 through July 27 and December 31 from 11am – 11pm with the exception of July 4t and 24 when they can be discharged 11 am – midnight.
He said to never light fireworks indoors or near fields or open areas with dry brush and to ensure the discharge area is at least 30’ away from any building, tree or vertical obstruction.
Fireworks users should always have a bucket of water, hose line and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Never wear loose clothing while using fireworks because sparks can easily fall under clothing and cause your clothes to burn. Also stand several feet away from lighted fireworks. If fireworks do not go off, do not stand over them to investigate; douse them with water and carefully dispose of them.
“The fact is that occasionally fireworks malfunction, so take precautions to protect your eyes,” said the chief.
Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If the fireworks are not marked with the contents, directions, and warning labels, do not light them. And when they are finished clean up the debris from them because failure to do so can result in angry neighbors and a littering citation as well.
One final warning, possibly the most important of all.
“Supervise children around fireworks at all times,” he concluded.