Starting July 22, Utah residents can legally launch fireworks – but as personal firework sales and temperatures soar, fire departments are pushing safety.
We talked with Matthew McFarland, from Unified Fire Authority. He says as high temperatures continue to dry out landscapes and create fuels, there are very real firework related concerns.
Some of his reminders include: keep a bucket of water nearby, and put used fireworks in it overnight, stay 200-feet from any fuels, set them off on level ground, keep your audience at a safe distance, leave the lighting to adults and above all, use your best judgment.
And more safety tips and reminders have been posted on UFA’s Youtube channel, with a little personal flare, in a mini video series called, “Don’t be a dingus with Daryll.”
Fireworks may only be set off between July 22-25. Shooting off fireworks outside of the approved dates and times can result in a fine up to $1,000. However, that does not mean they are legal in any given neighborhood or area.
Utahns can find a new, Interactive Firework Restrictions Map on UFA’s website.
