Save the fireworks for wetter, better years
Surrounded by wild fires in the mountains and looking warily at the dry conditions in their populated areas, city and county officials have decided that fireworks are definitely not a good idea this year.
The annual Southeastern Utah Energy Producers Association Fourth of July fireworks show at the Fairgrounds has been canceled. Also, the county commission has banned the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic deviceswithin all areas of the county not lying inside the boundaries of an incorporated city or town. This restriction applies to all privately owned property, as well as to all property and roads owned by the county, state and other public and governmental entities.
However, all other SEUEPA Fourth of July festivities previously scheduled to take place at the Fairgrounds will continue as planned. These include free food to first 1,000 attendees, kids' crafts and activities, bouncers, a pie eating contest, the coal shoveling contest, and a concert that night by the band "No Limits."
Helper City has banned fireworks - including sparklers - within city limits for the rest of this year. In an ordinance adopted Wednesday evening, the city council also outlawed open fires of any kind except for those in dedicated fire pits or in designated picnic areas or private homes.
The new law also makes it illegal to use anything that that creates intense heat or sparks - such as welding, grinding or cutting - in areas of dry vegetation.
Violation of the ordinance is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. Violators will also be held liable for the costs of extinguishing fires and damages caused by fire.
For more information, contact the Helper City fire department, 435-472-3572, or city hall, 472-5391.
On June 28 the Price City Council adopted ordinances 2012-004 and 2012-005 pertaining to fire safety and the use of fireworks as well as fireworks use restrictions within Price City.
While Class C common Utah state fireworks are legal to sell and own, the use of those fireworks is now restricted within Price City.
The fire chief, under the terms of the ordinance, has restricted use of fireworks within the city limits to the former Durrant Elementary School property which is now part of USU Eastern. The property is located at 600 East and 500 North. Fireworks can be used there between the hours of 9 p.m and midnight on July 4 only.
All other locations, dates, and times are restricted for the use of fireworks until such time as the restriction is lifted by the fire chief and Price City. Other use of fireworks within price city, outside of the allowed area, date and time, may be subject to a violation of the ordinance and citations may be issued.
The city stated that they wanted to thank USU Eastern for the use of the property on July 4 .
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