Although a statewide ban restricted fireworks in many areas, multiple July 4 celebrations went south this year when fireworks ignited several fires across Utah. As officials warn of the danger of fireworks, Pioneer Day celebrations hang in the balance.
The Beehive State continues to be a high risk area for wildfires, including the new Babylon Fire in southeastern Utah that passed the Cottonwood Fire as the state’s biggest, and is now the largest in the nation, per KSL.
Fires in Brigham City ‘highlight the risk’ of fireworks
Four fires ignited after dark in Brigham City on July 4, according to police reports.
“We’re assuming that most likely, given the circumstances, that they were caused by fireworks,” Brigham City Fire Chief Brandon Thueson told the Deseret News.
Thuseon said the fires “(highlight) the risk that we face as a state every single year with fireworks.”
The fires happened at the same time as the city fireworks show and several 911 medical calls, which stretched Brigham City Fire Department resources thin.
“Our resources were pretty limited,” Thueson said. “We just had a lot going on in our community.”
Brigham City removed the statewide ban on fireworks that was implemented in several other cities in Utah, and only prohibited fireworks in the existing firework-restricted areas. The weekend fires all occurred in unrestricted areas, but adding restrictions may not have entirely prevented the fires, Thueson said.
“Would the ban have had an effect? Maybe,” Thuseon said. “It also depends on if everybody, you know, plays by the rules.”
Thueson said fireworks-related calls are common for the holiday weekend.
“It’s always dry in July and it’s always hot,” Thueson said. “These incidents really just highlight what the fire service deals with in Utah every single year.”
Slate Canyon damaged by brush fire caused by aerial firework
Reports indicate a large brush fire caused by an aerial firework burned 7 acres of land in Slate Canyon, a firework-restricted area in Provo.
No suspects have been identified, Provo Fire Marshal Koby Hubbs told the Deseret News.
The fire “underscores the importance of preventive measures such as the fireworks ban and Stage 2 fire restrictions,” according to a press release from Provo Fire Rescue.
Layton Costa Vida suffers a ‘near-total loss’ from weekend fire
A commercial fire that began shortly before midnight on July 4 decimated a Costa Vida in Layton. While the cause remains under investigation, investigators are examining fireworks as a possibility, according to a press release from the Layton fire department.
Damage to the building is estimated to be more than $1 million, “making it a near-total loss,” the press release states. No civilian or firefighter injures have been reported.
Mineral Gulch Fire in Kane County is only 25% contained
The Mineral Gulch fire in Kane County, discovered July 4, is the only active fire resulting from the July 4 weekend. More than 80 acres have been burned and the fire is 25% contained, according to Utah Fire Info.
The fire is determined to be human-caused, but the exact cause is still under investigation.
What do the July 4 weekend fires mean for Pioneer Day celebrations?
Officials said it is still unclear whether fireworks will be allowed for Pioneer Day celebrations on July 24.
Hubbs said fire officials will be monitoring humidity to determine fireworks safety, and conditions may improve if Utah receives rain from the El Niño monsoons.
In addition to weather patterns, city decisions will rely on what regulations are implemented at the state level, Thueson said.
When Gov. Spencer Cox announced the statewide ban on fireworks, he said it would not extend to Pioneer Day on July 24, and officials would reevaluate conditions closer to the holiday.
“If we have a wet July, if we have monsoons come in, the order goes away,” Cox said.
Cox encouraged Utah residents to continue to buy fireworks and support local businesses in the meantime.
“Go buy fireworks, OK? If it means we have to have a special fireworks day in November, we’ll do that,” Cox said. “We’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you get a chance to set off those fireworks.”