Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson joined fire and emergency management professionals on June 27 to raise public awareness about fireworks restrictions and fire prevention efforts ahead of the July holidays.
Local leaders and emergency management personnel discussed current fire conditions, as well as proactive fire suppression and mitigation efforts regularly carried out by the County and its fire safety partners. Speakers emphasized the importance of everyone following fireworks restrictions. Community members were encouraged to attend professional firework displays and leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals. If community members choose to launch fireworks, they should only launch legal fireworks and comply with local restrictions.
“Utah’s dry, fire-prone landscape makes fireworks especially dangerous during the summer months,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson shared. “We’ve seen the devastating effects of the recent California wildfires and the wildfires in our home state. Education and collaboration with Salt Lake County’s Emergency Management team, cities, and fire partners remain central to our safety efforts. Working together, we can reduce the risks and keep our communities safe. Community members are a critical part of this prevention effort.”
Proactive fire suppression and mitigation efforts are regularly carried out around the County.
“Fire suppression and mitigation are ongoing responsibilities we share with our fire partners. From vegetation thinning to clearing dry brush and weeds, our Parks and Recreation teams play an essential role in reducing wildfire risk and protecting our communities,” stated Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Otto.
With fireworks-heavy holidays approaching, and Utah experiencing increasingly dry summers, officials urged residents to know the restrictions of the areas where they’re launching fireworks.
“As we head into the Fourth of July holiday and face another dry Utah summer, it’s more important than ever for residents to know and follow firework restrictions in their area,” said Tara Behunin, director of Salt Lake County Emergency Management. “A single spark in the wrong place can lead to a devastating wildfire. Before lighting anything, take a moment to check the restrictions in your area. A few seconds of awareness can prevent a fire, protect your community, and keep first responders available for critical emergencies.”
County leaders emphasized the importance of everyone in the county stepping up to preserve neighborhoods, canyons, and wildlife and to protect them from human-caused fires.
“As someone who lives in a restricted area near the canyons, my family and I are not launching fireworks this holiday season. Instead, we’ll enjoy the fireworks display put on by cities within Salt Lake County,” Salt Lake County Council Chair Dea Theodore shared. “For everyone’s safety, and for the safety of our beautiful landscapes and canyons, I’m asking all Utahns to do their part: follow fireworks restrictions and know if you’re in a banned area.”
Leaders also stressed the importance of following safety guidelines to protect people, neighborhoods, natural spaces, and property.
Unified Fire Authority Fire Marshal Wade Watkins advised, “Increase and maintain situational awareness, always check local laws and ordinances, reference the fireworks restrictions map, make sure winds are at a minimum while enjoying fireworks, and let’s be safe, Salt Lake County.”
To learn about firework restrictions, see a map of restricted locations, and to learn more about fire danger, go to slco.to/fireworks.
