Summit County Considers Banning Fireworks for Pioneer Day

July 4th celebrations went off in style in the Wasatch Back, but Pioneer Day revelers might not be so lucky.

Summit County officials are considering implementing restrictions for the July 24 holiday, including a possible fireworks ban, due to the recent increase in fire activity across the state as well as the upcoming fire weather outlook.

Summit County Fire Chief Bryce Boyer and Summit County Emergency Manager Kathryn McMullin are scheduled to meet with the county council next week to discuss current guidelines and recommend possible changes. Both men agreed that restrictions were not necessary for the Fourth of July. However, additional rules could be needed later this month.

A wildfire outlook Tuesday predicted conditions that could create an increased fire risk. Temperatures were high with low relative humidity and a possibility of high winds. A moderate risk was expected in desert and mountainous areas through the weekend into early next week.

The fire danger in Summit County was high Friday afternoon, although there were no active fires or fire restrictions. A red flag warning was also in effect through Wednesday evening due to low relative humidity and high winds, factors that contribute to critical fire conditions.

As of late June, fewer than 10 wildfires had been reported in Summit County. All burned less than an acre.

State experts fear the 2024 wildfire season will be more dangerous due to increased fuel growth across the state and warmer-than-normal summer temperatures. Weather is a key factor in the severity of a wildfire. Officials say moderate-risk fire conditions return after just a few days of cool temperatures.

Utah firefighters have seen an increase in roadside fire activity as well as fires related to agricultural burns and debris this year. Motor vehicles have caused 56 wildfires statewide since Memorial Day weekend. There have also been 72 wildfires caused by wildfires so far this year.

Wildfire season in Utah typically runs from July 1 to October 1. There have been at least 430 wildfires this year.320 of which were of human origin. More than 6,500 hectares in total have burned.

Several small fires also broke out last week on Forest Service and state lands. At least 15 new fires, burning 30 acres, have started since Thursday.

“These fires are preventable,” said Jamie Barnes, director/forester for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. “Parties that cause a wildfire can and will be held liable for the damages caused. The state is actively seeking to recover the costs of fighting the fires.”

Utah’s Fire Sense initiative has made a difference in awareness and has reduced wildfires by 52% since its first year, officials say. There were 1,176 human-caused wildfires in 2020. That number rose to 570 in 2021, followed by 466 in 2022 and 288 in 2023, according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources.

Fire Sense tips include parking vehicles away from dry vegetation, making sure the campfire is completely out before driving away, developing a wildfire plan and securing trailer chains before traveling.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Summit County’s Emergency Alert System to stay informed of fire hazards or restrictions. Text SCFIREINFO to 888777 to receive text alerts about fire conditions, prescribed burns and active fires.

The county council could put restrictions such as a fireworks ban in place at its next meeting. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. July 10 at the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville or online via Zoom.