Trucks scramble to respond to reports of blazes ignited by July 4 fireworks
Police and firefighters were busy over the long holiday weekend as the careless use of fireworks prompted nearly two dozen fireworks-related calls to emergency dispatch.
Price City Fire Chief Paul Bedont said fortunately all the fires were caught before getting out of control, but they all had the potential to spread rapidly because of the tinder-dry conditions. There were also an unknown number of fires that were extinguished before it was necessary for fire department to respond.
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Fire restrictions are in place for all unincorporated private and all state lands within Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, Uintah, Duchesne and Daggett counties. Discharging or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited, but said Bedont, “municipalities are on their own. By state statute, they can’t ban fireworks but can only restrict them to certain areas. People need to be really careful.”
Helper City Fire Chief Rich Columbo said, “It’s terrible out there. I wish people would understand what’s going on and be careful with fireworks.” He advised having a hose ready to spray, and a bucket of water available to put the used fireworks in.
With the Pioneer Day Holiday yet to come, Wellington Fire Chief Matt Perea reminds residents of the restrictions and regulations that are already in place. Personal fireworks are allowed in a 25 foot radius free of combustibles if they travel no higher than 25 feet. A continuous water source must be available and expended fireworks must be placed in a container of water.