State Officials Warn of Fire Dangers

Jul 03, 2008 by Eric Ray

Utahns Asked to Heed Fireworks Restrictions

(KCPW News) Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and state fire and lands managers from across the state gathered yesterday to send this message about fireworks.

"The state remains a tinderbox. Make no mistake about it. There are some very dangerous parts of the state," says Huntsman. "Pay attention to what your local governments are saying in terms of where fireworks are allowed. Have fun, but be alert, and please be cautious."

Huntsman's pleas were echoed by Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands Director Dick Buehler, who noted that 90% of last summer's wildfires in northern Utah were human-caused. Generally humans cause 36% of wildfires. Buehler says that recent high temperatures combined with low humidity are a bad combination when it comes to preventing fires.

And for those planning a quick trip to Wyoming to buy their fireworks across the border, you better think twice, says Public Safety Commissioner Scott Duncan.

"We will have troopers up on I-80 and some of the other borders where some of our citizens think it's OK to slip across the border and purchase some of these illegal fireworks," says Duncan. "We want them to know that we will be there. We've got troopers that are specifically assigned to that, especially before the 4th of July and 24th, that will be watching that."

Possessing illegal fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail for each firework they possess. Buehler says a person can also be charged for the full suppression costs of a fire they are responsible for starting.

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