Governor Issues Fire Danger Alert
Urges Common Sense During Holidays

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Governor Mike Leavitt and company make a plea to all Utahns-- please use common sense this Fourth of July!

Conditions are ripe for wildfires. There's plenty of fuel out there, so firefighters hope people don't provide the spark. They say there's no room for carelessness.

News Specialist Jill Atwood has more.

Last year, close to half the fires that were started this time of year were caused by fireworks.

Mike Leavitt/Governor of Utah: "THESE (fireworks) LAST YEAR CAUSED IN LARGE MEASURE...THIS (fires in Utah)."

And, the venue of the governor's press conference was no coincidence. Last year at exactly this time, fire was devouring hundreds of acres in the canyon behind Red Butte gardens. That fire was started by a firework.

This year's no different. Flames feed on dry grass, and before you know it, you have fires like the one just south of Spanish Fork Canyon.

This fire was caused by lightning and demonstrates just how desperate the situation is.

Dave Dalrymple/Fire Management Coordinator, State of Utah: "IT'S VERY DRY. WE'VE GOT CONDITIONS THAT ARE IN MANY RESPECTS WORSE THAN WE HAD LAST YEAR. SO FAR WE HAVEN'T HAD THE IGNITIONS THAT WE HAD LAST YEAR, BUT THIS WEEK MIGHT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN THAT RESPECT."

Pricey Mistake

Also, keep in mind the price of playing with fireworks this holiday. The state of Utah won't cut you any slack.

If you start a fire, you may have to pay for it. Last year investigators recovered several million dollars in taxpayer money.

Richard Buehler/Wildland Fire Investigator: "WE PUT PEOPLE OUT THERE ON THE FIRE LINES WHO RISK THEIR LIVES TO FIGHT THESE FIRES THAT ARE HUMAN CAUSED AND CAN BE PREVENTED. AND WE WANT TO PREVENT THESE FIRES. AND SOMETIMES PURSUING THESE WILDLAND COSTS CAN BE USED AS A PREVENTATIVE TOOL."

Tips For Fireworks Safety

Some quick things to remember now if you plan on setting off fireworks of the legal kind.

• Keep fireworks away from buildings and weedy areas. Also keep them clear of evergreen trees.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy

• Make sure you dispose of them correctly. They should be wet before putting them in the trash.