This goes without saying, but please, please be careful with your fireworks this summer! Drought and fires are bad this time of year, particularly in our part of the state. But fireworks shows are still on, as long as we’re careful.
Drought conditions in Utah continue to soar, with us right in the middle of them. According to the Utah Drought Monitor, some of the driest places in Utah this summer are in Wayne, Garfield and Piute counties. In fact, we are some of the few still in exceptional drought, meaning that fire restrictions are increased and irrigation allotments are cut.
The Left Fork Fire is finally being contained and slowly extinguished. While we have had some rain, fuel sources for this fire were still “critically dry” as reported in a fire update on June 29th. This would be a very bad time to start another fire!
Where to Watch Fireworks
If you don’t want to take the risk of starting a fire, you can always go to a public fireworks show. Ruby’s Inn and the Tropic Fire Department host a fireworks show every year on the 4th of July at 10:00 p.m.
And as far as The Byway could find, there is probably another fireworks show in Circleville on the 4th. Wayne County has a fireworks show on Saturday, July 2nd, 10:00 p.m. at the Torrey town park as part of the Apple Days events. According to the Panguitch Posts, Panguitch usually hosts a show at the old rodeo grounds on the north end of town, so you have lots of choices!
Guidelines for Doing Your Own Fireworks
If you do want to do your own fireworks*, that’s okay, too. Here are the times and places that fireworks are allowed this year:
- Between July 2-5 and 22-25
- Between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. (12 a.m. on the 4th and 24th)
- Only in designated areas with no dry plants nearby (not in foothills or riverbeds)
- You must have a way to extinguish a possible fire
- Do not light any fireworks on state or federal land.
For specific information on fire restrictions in your area, see the Utah Fire Marshal website.
*Warning: Some cities may have fire restrictions that The Byway is unaware of. Please check with your local leaders before lighting your own fireworks.
Have a great 4th and 24th of July, and be safe!
– The Byway
Feature image courtesy StockSnap.