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Fireworks restricted in some neighborhoods following dangerous wildfire season

Posted at 3:15 PM, Jul 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-22 17:15:45-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Fireworks in Utah are permitted in certain areas starting today to celebrate Pioneer Day, however firefighters are urging people to take precautions.

Firefighters walked the Ensign Peak and Capitol Hill neighborhoods on Wednesday, handing out fliers, letting everyone know, this is a no firework zone.

However, people still come to the neighborhood to light off fireworks, despite the warnings.

“There’s a lot of fire fuel here and it’s very dry, we’re getting a little reprieve today, but this will be the exception rather than the rule, by the weekend it’ll be very warm again, the wind picks up, we have any sorts of an ignition whether that be a firework or any other spark and we have a wildfire on our hands,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb.

Just a few days ago a fire on Ensign Peak came dangerously close to homes, and now firefighters are trying to prevent another on from starting.

“We’re gonna make sure during this holiday in particular, on the 24th we are going to have a presence here, the fire department and the police department in Salt Lake City, public services, so there will be people around here,” said Chief Lieb.

They’re passing out fliers letting people know fireworks are illegal North of South Temple Street, West of Redwood Road, East of 900 East and in city parks.

“Be safe, there are areas where fireworks are legal for the next four days, starting today and you have to take into consideration your environment and know what’s around you and what you’re doing because these can get away pretty quickly,” said Chief Lieb.

There are places where you can light them off, and you can find firework restricted areas by clicking here.