Effective Wednesday, fireworks, open fires, and explosive devices are prohibited within Park City limits.
Park City’s Chief Building and Fire Code Official David Thacker enacted the bans Wednesday, which include the city’s Fourth of July Fireworks.
The parade is still scheduled for Friday, July 2nd.
In place until further notice, all fireworks, explosive devices, sources of ignition, and open fires are banned. According to the city, the ban is in line with other countywide restrictions announced by the Park City Fire District.
Fire danger across Utah is at a higher level than in previous years thanks to extreme drought conditions and warmer than usual temperatures. Thacker said those factors along with long-range weather forecasts factored into the decision-making.
At his monthly TV news conference, Governor Spencer Cox said he actually does not have the authority to outright ban fireworks statewide, the state legislature does; but if he did have the power to do so, he would not hesitate.
“I’ve told the legislature I think it’s a terrible idea not to have additional restrictions this year,” said Cox. “They haven’t shown any interest in doing anything more around that, so we are relying on local governments to put those restrictions in place.”
Along with Park City, Summit and Wasatch Counties have also enacted restrictions on open fires, fireworks, and smoking.
Cox stressed that even if fireworks are allowed in your area, if a wildfire does start because of your actions, you will be held accountable.
“Look, people, just, please, this is not the year,” he said. “Even if you think you’re being extremely safe, it’s so easy. One spark. Everything is so dry. It’s drier than you think. If you start a fire, you will be held liable for that fire. You will be responsible for paying to have that fire put out and any damages that occur. Again, just be extremely careful.”
More information about fire prevention and emergency preparedness in Park City can be found here.
