Celebrating with fireworks in a drought

During July, the sky in Utah is often filled with bright fireworks from private and government-sponsored firework celebrations in honor of both U.S. Independence Day and Pioneer Day.  

However, with fire danger currently ranging from moderate to extremely high through most of Utah, firework ignition could be subject to heavy restrictions. 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Utah is experiencing a severe to exceptional drought throughout the state.  

This means air quality is poor, natural bodies of water are low, ranching management practices have to change in order to accommodate for the inadequate pasture and water for cattle, and fire danger increases. 

During a drought, grasses and trees become so dry they catch fire more easily, and that fire can spread at an increased speed. 

In response to the current drought and associated fire danger, many cities in Utah have set more rigid restrictions for when and how fireworks can be safely ignited. 

Logan, being one of those cities, has changed firework ignition areas. Logan Fire Department assistant chief Craig Humphreys recommends every resident intending to light fireworks should check online to view the current restricted areas for their city prior to purchasing fireworks. 

Humphreys explained several different fire safety tips to help prevent firework fires during private holiday celebrations. 

“Set your area up properly — pets are always a concern during fireworks, so make sure you know where your pets are and that they’re taken care of. Always have water close by, and read and follow the directions on fireworks,” Humphreys said. 

He went on to say that soaking your fireworks in a bucket of water after they’ve been discharged is extremely important. 

“We have had probably the most fires I have seen from disposed fireworks — we’ve had dumpsters that ignite later on,” he said. “People will dispose of their firework debris in those [garbage cans] and then they’ll ignite and they’ll be in their garage or up against their house, and it spreads to the house.” 

In addition to private celebrations, Logan City will be hosting firework shows on July 2 and July 23. 

The Logan Fire Department has fire trucks on standby at these events and are prepared to handle potential emergencies. 

“We will have additional people on duty for those evenings, and hopefully everybody is sensible and follows the restrictions, and we don’t have any trouble,” Humphreys stated. 

Utah State University student and Logan resident Hunter Criddle agreed that safety measures are important and said fire restrictions don’t take away the holiday fun — they keep the fun going.  

“I think it’s important we follow the rules and guidelines the firefighters give us because they are the ones who have to clean up the mess and risk their lives when our actions cause problems,” Criddle said. 

He explained how the fireworks at Fourth of July celebrations are important symbols of our nation’s freedom and heritage, so getting rid of the explosive lights shouldn’t be the answer; people learning to be safe should be.  

“It helps me remember and appreciate what the early Americans had to go through for our freedom and independence,” Criddle said. “I think the fireworks are a good way to honor those people and celebrate the independence they fought for.”   

Visit firemarshall.utah.gov for more tips on how to safely ignite fireworks. 

-Ryker.Eggenberger@usu.edu

Featured photo by: Bailey Rigby