July 6, 2000
State fire officials say this summer already looks like one of the worst fire seasons in recent years.
Firefighters are already exhausted and fed up with the number of fires started by fireworks.
Right now, firefighters along the Wasatch Front and across the state are wondering where fire's going to strike next.
The state is highly flammable. One spark can destroy hundreds of acres, and homes.
The Governor wants that danger smouldering in everyone's mind.
Governor Mike Leavitt: "THIS STATE IS A TINDERBOX RIGHT NOW."
Standing at the base of fire-scarred Red Butte Canyon, Governor Mike Leavitt made a plea to the public to help keep the state from going up in flames.
Governor Mike Leavitt: "WE MUST BEAR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOTHING, DO ANYTHING TO DAMAGE THE BEAUTY OF THIS STATE."
Red Butte burned early this week and flared up again. It's a blaze blamed on fireworks.
In Millcreek Canyon, an early morning fire threatened homes. Again fireworks are to blame.
Same story in the Sandy fire that destroyed two homes.
More illegal fireworks are going off this year, and the state wants police to crack down on the firecrackers.
But, the governor says it's up to everyone.
Governor Mike Leavitt: "IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT PARENTS MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN ARE NOT MISUSING FIREWORKS, AND ARE USING THEM IN A CAREFUL, CAUTIOUS WAY."
Brent Halladay/State Fire Marshal: "WE HAVE VEGETATION THAT'S DEAD. WE HAVE LOW HUMIDITY AND HIGH WINDS. THESE ARE NIGHTMARE CONDITIONS FOR THE FIRE SERVICE."
The Governor cannot ban fireworks statewide. Cities and counties make that call. Park City is the only one to do so.
Fire Dispatches: July 1st-Noon July 6th
|
Salt Lake County | 572 |
|
Salt Lake City | 325 |
| Total | 897 |
In the last six days Salt Lake County Fire crews answered the call 572 times!
Salt Lake City, 325 calls.
A total of nearly 900 calls.
Statewide it's the same.
A fire near Cottonwood Mall broke out around 4:00 p.m. Thursday. It was not very bid and easy to control. But, it takes a half-dozen firefighters to wet down the hot spots. Fires like this one are putting a strain on resources that are already stretched to the limit.
Art Dufault/State Forester: "WE CAN NO LONGER KEEP UP WITH THE NUMBER OF STARTS. A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE FROM FIREWORKS."
Firefighters from other states are helping, but Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico have their own fires.
Firefighters are in demand.
Jack Troyer/Deputy Regional Forester: "THEY'RE VERY, VERY SCARCE. THEY'RE GETTING HARD TO GET AND THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY."
