ST. GEORGE, Utah - Firework sales are officially underway in Utah, but along with the excitement come restrictions.
Before the white tents began popping up in grocery store parking lots this week, the St. George City Council passed rules regarding their restricted areas. Fireworks are prohibited in all unincorporated areas of Washington County, including State and federal lands.
Fire chief Robert Stoker said there aren’t any major changes this year, but residents need to know where their house lies.
“We’ve had a lot of wind, lack of moisture this year,” Stoker said. “Red flag warnings on almost every day in the southern part of the state, so we’re very concerned with our firework situation.”
With just a quick look at the map, the restrictions appear extreme. And entire neighborhoods next to the hills and those by washes are in the red zone. Chief Stoker said they’ve actually seen a decrease in the number of firework related fires. He thinks it’s because more people are seeing the dangers first hand.
“That’s very much appreciated by all the fire departments in the area,” Stoker said. “They’ve really taken a heed to our warnings, and really done what they need to do.”
And while in some ways that translates to slower sales at the firework stands, managers said they’re holding their own. Zack Broderick opened his tent a couple days early, hoping to get a jump on sales.
“People come in, look around, say they’ll be back,” Broderick said. “But a few people have bought and been really excited about it.”
Each of the cities set their own fire restrictions. St. George provides an interactive map on their website for homeowners to see if their home is in a restricted area, click here for details.
