Weber County and Salt Lake City are the latest to issue a ban on fireworks in designated areas, because of high temperatures, dry conditions, and the approaching summer holidays.
Last night Weber County commissioners approved an ordinance that bans all fireworks in the unincorporated area of the county.
Salt Lake City's ban covers:
- East of I-215 to 2100 South, then east to Wasatch Drive, then north to Sunnyside Avenue
- East of Arapeen Drive from Sunnyside Avenue to Wakara Way
- East of a line projected from Arapeen and Wakara Way to Wasatch Drive and South Campus Drive
- East of Wasatch Drive to North Campus Drive
- East of Virginia St. (1300 E.) from South Temple to 11th Ave.
- North of 11th Ave. to City Creek Canyon. Both sides of City Creek Canyon
- From the west side of City Creek Canyon, all areas north of 500 North to 200 West, north on 200 West to Wall Street, along Wall until it intersects with Beck Street, then north to the north City limits
- West of I-215 in Salt Lake City
Earlier in the week, Salt Lake County banned fireworks in the following area: east of Wasatch, west of Highway 111, south of Highland in Draper, and south of 134th South in Riverton.
Other counties and the BLM are considering bans on fires and fireworks, as well.
Investigators say someone lighting off fireworks is to blame for a fire Monday in Davis County.
It torched 30 acres of grassland a quarter-mile west of I-15.
The wind was blowing and the fire spread quickly.
Another fire near the railroad tracks at 39th South and 300 West was sparked by a passing train.
The BLM may ban open fires on federal land heading into the holiday next week.
Other agencies may follow with similar restrictions.
KathyJo Pollack/Interagency Fire Center: OUR FUEL MOISTURES ARE CONTINUING TO GO DOWN. WE'VE HAD SOME REAL HOT WEATHER AND SOME REALLY HIGH WINDS.
Jed Boal/Eyewitness News: MOST PLANTS IN THE STATE ARE TINDER DRY. EVEN IF WE GET SOME THUNDERSTORMS, THAT'S NOT NECESSARILY GOOD NEWS.
KathyJo Pollack/Interagency Fire Center: WE'LL GET THE CLOUD BUILD-UP, BUT ALONG WITH THAT WE'LL GET THE LIGHTENING. BUT THERE'S LITTLE PERCIPITATION, SO WE CONSIDER THAT DRY LIGHTENING. THEN WE'LL GET THE WINDS PUSHING IT THROUGH, SO THAT WILL CAUSE US SOME PROBLEMS.
If the BLM acts, it would ban open fires except in developed campgrounds with fire pits and running water.
Fireworks are never allowed on federal public land or national parks.
Fireworks Restrictions
Weber County-- Fireworks banned in all unincorporated parts of the county.
Salt Lake County-- Fireworks banned east of Wasatch Blvd., West of U-111, South of Highland in Draper, South of 134th South in Riverton.
Utah County-- Fire Marshall is assessing the fire danger. County commissioners expect recommendations and to take action by July 3.
