Ryker and Seth Richens set up fireworks for display at a stand in Millcreek on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Jeffrey D. Allred / Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — With fireworks season in Utah around the corner, KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic asked if it’s time to ban fireworks in Utah. Especially in light of the West’s ongoing, historic drought.
A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll of 808 Utah residents found that 38% of the participants think lighting fireworks at official celebrations by government entities should be allowed. Twenty-five percent of respondents said fireworks should be banned outright.
Ryan Love with Unified Fire Authority (UFA) called the show to discuss what is being done to prepare for firework season and to share good news. Unified Fire Authority provides services to 15 municipalities in the two counties.
You can see where fireworks are banned in Salt Lake County, and parts of Utah County, by clicking on the United Fire fireworks map. Areas in red show where fireworks are banned.
Love said that state officials have done a good job educating Utahns about the potential dangers that fireworks pose.
Last year, “we only went on two firework-related calls,” Love said. “Compared to five years ago, it was in the 30s, so I think people are generally doing a lot better understanding the potential that fireworks have.
“Fire departments throughout Utah are doing a really good job educating along with the media and . . . . I think everybody’s starting to do better, and we just want to give a pat on the back to our residents,” he said.
“How much of that do you attribute to education and how much do you attribute to restrictions?” Dave asked.
Love said recent blazes that started from fireworks in Parleys Canyon and Saratoga Springs have brought an awareness to the public.
“So moving forward, I think people take those experiences and they learn from them, and communities learn from them,” Love said.
“A few years ago, we changed it so each local municipality has control over setting their own [fireworks] restrictions. And that’s important because nobody knows any better than the city themselves and identifying those hazard areas.”
Jason Curry, deputy director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, said that, regardless, fireworks are always a no-go until July 2 in Utah. Firework restrictions hinge on many factors, including heat, drought, wind and other concerns, according to Deseret News.
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Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.