Legal fireworks don't go on sale until this Thursday, but Salt Lake City is already warning people not to light them in specific areas.

A total ban on fireworks is in effect for all areas east of Wasatch Drive; north of 11th Avenue and in City Creek Canyon. The ban extends to all areas in the city west of I-215; and includes all city parks.

Salt Lake COUNTY is also enforcing restrictions East of Wasatch Boulevard.. and South and West of U-111.

Fire officials expect other cities and counties to issue bans this week... because of this year's fire danger.

A couple things are different this year. This is the fourth year of an extended drought. And already, a huge, scary fire is burning out of control in Colorado. Both have a lot of people thinking about fire, even more than usual.

It's the time of year when families like to have a little pyrotechnic show of their own. But, ironically, it's also the time of year when fire danger is at its peak.

Every year, it plagues fire departments everywhere.

A couple years ago, fire leveled an old car dealership on State street in Murray-- a fire caused by fireworks. That same year, another fire in the foothills--the most frightening kind, since homes there are especially vulnerable.

Such fires occur most often with ILLEGAL fireworks, brought in from other states. But Utah-legal fireworks can cause problems, too--if they're handled improperly.

Both Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County have already issued fireworks restrictions this year.

In the back of everyone's mind: a possible repeat of Colorado's experience with wildfire this year. Hotter, dryer temperatures than normal, extended drought, dry ground cover: All exist in Utah, too.

In foothill and canyon neighborhoods like this one in Emigration Canyon, residents are already thinking about it. Many people are taking steps themselves--while still dreading another person's stupid mistake.

It is a class 'B' misdemenor to possess illegal fireworks.

If you are connected to a fire those fireworks cause, it is serious trouble: including financial responsibility for the damage and for the firefighting effort.

June 17, 2002