SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – To help prevent anymore wildfires in Utah, cities and towns across the state are snuffing out fireworks. And on Thursday Governor Gary Herbert reminded everyone about the state ban on fireworks in unincorporated areas.
At least 50 cities have banned or restricted the use of fireworks. For a complete list from the state – follow this link.
http://publicsafety.utah.gov/firemarshal/RestrictedFireworksAreas.htmlMelanie Roylance runs TNT Fireworks on 123rd South and 1200 East in Draper. She’s been selling fireworks for twenty years and says restrictions are nothing new. “In all the years we’ve sold them we’ve had restrictions.” However, even she admits this year is different. “Here in Draper they’ve always restricted the foothills at 17th East. This year it is at 13th East. So, they have tightened it up a little bit.”
Roylance understands the concern. She was forced to evacuate during the man made Herriman fire last year and does not want her fireworks to contribute to a fire. Draper had a massive foothill fire last year and the restrictions aim to prevent anything like that happening during the 4th of July and Pioneer Day celebrations.
Draper is not alone. Alpine has completely banned fireworks. Bountiful City has put in restrictions. Elk Ridge has banned them. And the list goes on and on.
Customers, like Alec Deleeuw, are aware of the restrictions, but are still buying fireworks and still plan on lighting them off. “Anything big, of course.” The 17-year-old says the restrictions may limit where they set off their fireworks this year, but won’t stop them from celebrating the annual summer tradition.
