(Cedar City, UT) - It is no secret to anyone who has spent time outdoors that this summer is becoming much hotter and drier. Along with higher temperatures and low relative humidity, wildfire season for Color Country Fire Managers is considered to be in full swing. As Washington County firefighters suppress human caused fires daily, fire officials are seeing a trend in preventable fires that could easily threaten communities. “Although wildfire predictions for 2010 have been and are still predicted to be consistent with an average fire season, southern Utah is a very fire prone environment, especially in the months of July and August,” said State of Utah Fire Management Officer Mike Melton. “As the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day are upon us, unwanted human caused fires are increasing, most of which result from preventable causes such as fireworks.” Melton said fireworks are only permitted in the incorporated city limits of Washington County and that they are not permitted in the unincorporated areas of Washington County including the Highway 18 corridor. Washington County adopted the restriction ordinance two years ago.

Fire officials urge the public to be informed on their local firework regulations as they celebrate this July 4th holiday weekend to help increase firefighter and public safety. Department of Public Safety Southern Region Deputy State Fire Marshall, Todd Hohbein wants to remind everyone that “The Utah Department of Public Safety has a zero tolerance policy on the use and/or possession of illegal fireworks,” he said. In the State of Utah it is a Class B misdemeanor to be in possession of illegal fireworks, a charge that comes not only with a court appearance but hefty fines as well. “Expect to have all illegal fireworks confiscated without a refund of their purchase price,” Hohbein added. Most fireworks purchased outside the state of Utah are considered to be illegal according to the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

Fire officials also express a “special hazard emphasis” on the current cheatgrass volume and dry conditions in southern Utah. “The discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Washington County from June 1 to October 31st is illegal and strictly enforced by the Washington County Sherriff’s office,” Washington County Emergency Services Director Pete Kuhlmann said. “In the event that a fire is started from the illegal use of fireworks and other unauthorized uses, the person or persons that caused the fire can be held responsible for the suppression and/or restitution costs,” he added.

Color Country Fire Managers report 27 wildfires for 2010, 23 of which were human caused as of June 30. In addition, federal, state, and local fire management agencies continue to spend many hours promoting fire education programs throughout the state. Nick Howell, BLM Fire Education Specialist, said lightning caused fires that pose no threat to life or property can be beneficial for the environment. “This isn’t the case with human caused fires, they are almost always in unwanted locations and create unnecessary workloads for the fire management agencies.” Howell said by law, fireworks are strictly forbidden on state and federal public lands. “If you plan to be out camping on State, BLM or Forest Service Lands, leave the fireworks at home."

As fire danger increases, fire officials in southern Utah want everyone to enjoy the summer months with safety and fire awareness in mind in hopes of reducing property loss and mitigating risk to firefighter safety. Color Country fire statistics indicate debris burning, campfires, metal work, fireworks, and children playing with matches are among the highest human caused fire starts in southern Utah.

Fireworks Safety Tips

1. Use only fireworks purchased in the State of Utah from licensed dealers or retailers. If you purchased the fireworks out of state, they are more than likely not legal in this state, and you will be cited if caught and will be responsible to pay for any damages as a result of any fires that you cause.

2. Use only with responsible adult supervision at all times.

3. Never allow younger children to handle fireworks.

4. Light the fireworks in an open area and on a non-combustible surface such as a driveway or paved area with at least 30 to 40 feet of distance to combustible materials.

5. If windy conditions exist do not light the fireworks.

6. Keep a bucket of water available.

7. Handle used and “dud” fireworks with a shovel.

8. Soak fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water or hose prior to disposal.

9. Keep clear while lighting fireworks do not lean over them at any time.

10. Do not relight “dud” fireworks.

11. Watch out for your pets and animals and preferably keep them indoors and away from the displays.

The lighting of fireworks during the independence day and pioneer day holidays this time of year have become a tradition with many families. If families act responsibly with legal fireworks activities they should have an enjoyable holiday. The vast majority of legal displays occur without incident. The majority of fire incidents that occur are a result of illegal or improper fireworks discharges. Be smart, safe, and responsible.