Areas within Cache Valley have restricted fireworks use
Given the prevailing dry conditions in northern Utah, wildland fire hazards along Cache Valley’s bench areas are extreme. With the fireworks season fast approaching, the Cache Valley Fire Public Education Coalition (which includes most valley fire agencies) is asking for the public’s help in preventing a potential disaster.
According to the coalition, certain critical areas within the valley’s “urban-wildland interface” are too dangerous to allow the use of any kind of fireworks. The urban-wildland interface is generally considered areas where urban development bumps up against the foothills of the adjacent mountains.
To prevent fireworks-caused wildland fires that threatened to spread into the national forests and become “campaign” fires, as well as destroy adjacent structures, fireworks usage is restricted, effective immediately, and throughout the summer, in the following areas by order of the respective fire chiefs:
• Logan — East of 1700 East, north of 400 North; east of 1400 East south of 400 North.
• North Logan — East of 1600 East between 1700 North and 3500 North
• Hyde Park – East of 400 East from the south to the north border of the city
• Smithfield – East of 700 East from the southern border of the city to Center Street. East of 470 East from Center Street to Canyon Road. East of 300 East from 200 North to the northern border of the City.
• Providence – All areas within Providence City east of a north-south line at 400 East.
• Unincorporated areas – All east bench areas.
The coalition reminds the public that fireworks that leave the ground (i.e., bottle rockets) or explode (i.e., firecrackers) are not approved and their use constitutes a misdemeanor violation.
Safe use of Fireworks
• Before discharging any fireworks, you need to check with your local fire department to see if the area in which you are going use fireworks has had restrictions placed on it.
• Fireworks should not be discharged within 25 feet of dry, combustible materials.
• When discharging fireworks, you should have a hose or fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the discharge area.
• All fireworks should be discharged only under an adult’s supervision.
• Children should never be left alone with fireworks.
• Children should not run with hand held fireworks
• Children should place all sparklers in pails of water after they have burned, prior to placing in garage cans.
• Only fire works designed to be held should be held. All other fireworks should be placed on the ground, away from combustible materials, and should not be picked up until they are completely cooled.
• Never try to relight fireworks. If it does not discharge on the first try then it should be soaked in water and discarded.
• Expended fireworks should be lefting soaking overnight in a bucket, pail or large can of water before being placed in a trash receptacle.
• The best way to enjoy fireworks during a drought season is attend local fireworks shows, which are presented by trained and licensed pyrotechnicians.
Common fireworks that are illegal in Utah include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Bottle rockets
• Fire crackers
• Cherry bombs
• Roman Candles
Possessing or discharging of illegal fireworks constitutes a Class B Misdemeanor.
With your help in following these few simple rules, we hope that the citizens of Logan City and Cache Valley have a happy, fun and safe holiday.