Craig Humphreys, Logan City Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
Summer’s arrival means it is time for family gatherings and celebrations that often include fireworks. They are fun, but each July thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Fireworks are, after all, explosives, but few understand the dangers and associated risks, including burns, other injuries, and fires.
According to the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2017, 195 fires, including five house fires, were reportedly caused by fireworks.
Due to many of the issues dealing with fireworks, the Utah State Legislature acted and changed the laws.
The following dates are important to remember:
Sales: June 24 to July 25
Discharge: Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Hours extend to midnight July 2 through July 5 and July 22 through July 25.
Always check with your local fire department for geographical closures due to hazardous conditions.
The following safety tips can help your celebration be accident-free:
- Always have an adult present and never give fireworks to young children.
- Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.
- Only purchase state-legal fireworks from a licensed store, stand, or tent.
- Read and follow directions on labels.
- Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings, and on flat, level, and hard fire-proof surfaces.
- Ensure fireworks can’t tip over.
- Have a garden hose or bucket of water close by.
- Keep spectators at a safe distance.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never pick-up or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t work the first time.
- Never alter, dismantle, or throw a firework.
- Never carry lit fireworks.
- Allow finished fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, then submerge them in water for at least five minutes. Drain and place in a garbage container outside and away from your house.
