There are two July holidays in Utah that are celebrated with fireworks, Independence Day on July 4 and Pioneer Day on July 24. It’s important for townsfolk to take proper precautions while enjoying personal fireworks during these holidays to avoid serious injuries.
“Common sense should rule, if people would read the directions on the fireworks, most aerial fireworks can travel up to 150 feet so making sure you have an area that’s clear and avoid dry vegetation. But as a general rule when I see problems with fireworks it’s because people haven’t taken a few moments and thought about what they are doing,” stated Price City Fire Chief, Paul Bedont. Safety should always be the number one priority when using fireworks, for example, adults should never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks without suitable supervision, onlookers should always be at a safe distance from the person igniting the fireworks and a water source should be nearby to fully extinguish fireworks.
“According to state law it’s three days before the fourth, the day of and three days after the fourth; With the 24th it’s the same thing. Hours, as far as hours, the three days before and the three days after it’s 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; on the 4th (24th) it’s up to midnight. Be conscience of your neighbors,” said Bedont. Other holidays that allow discharge of Class C fireworks is December 31 and on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Residents should remember that fireworks are explosives and if used recklessly could cause significant damage, Bedont added “Just a reminder for people, if you launch a firework and it causes a fire, you can be legally responsible for all the costs associated with that fire, for any damages that fire causes both civilly and criminally. Fireworks violation are actually a Class B Misdemeanor and that can be up to a $1,000.00 fine or six months in jail.” Parents and guardians can also be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
To learn more about Utah Fireworks information visit https://firemarshal.utah.gov/