Fourth of July celebrations went off with a bang across the Wasatch Back, but Pioneer Day revelers might not be so lucky.
Summit County officials are considering whether to implement restrictions for the July 24 holiday, including a possible fireworks ban, because of recent increases in statewide fire activity as well as the upcoming fire weather outlook.
Summit County Fire Warden Bryce Boyer and Summit County Emergency Manager Kathryn McMullin are scheduled to meet with the County Council next week to discuss the current guidelines and recommend possible changes. The pair agreed restrictions weren’t needed for July 4. However, additional rules might be needed later this month.
A wildland fire snapshot from Tuesday forecasted conditions that could create an increased fire risk. Temperatures were elevated with low relative humidity and the possibility of high winds. Moderate risk was expected in the desert and mountain areas throughout the weekend into early next week.
Fire danger in Summit County was high as of Friday afternoon, though there were no active fires or fire restrictions. A red flag warning was also in place until Wednesday night because of low relative humidity and high winds, factors that contribute to critical fire conditions.
There were less than 10 wildfires reported in Summit County as of late June. All have burned less than an acre.
State experts are worried the 2024 wildfire season will be more dangerous because of increased fuel growth statewide and hotter-than-normal summer temperatures. The weather is a key factor in how severe a wildfire becomes. Officials say moderate risk fire conditions are returning after just a few days of cool temperatures.
Utah fire officials have seen an increase in fire activity along roads as well as blazes related to agricultural and debris burning this year. Motor vehicles have caused 56 wildfires throughout the state since Memorial Day weekend. There have also been 72 wildfires caused by escaped burns since the beginning of the year.
The wildfire season in Utah typically runs from July 1 to Oct. 1. There have been at least 430 wildfires this year, 320 of which were human-caused. More than 6,500 acres total have burned.
Several small fires also broke out on Forest Service and state land last week. At least 15 new fires burning 30 acres have started since Thursday.
“These fires are preventable,” said Jamie Barnes, the director/state forester for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. “Those parties that cause a wildfire can and will be held accountable for the damage caused. The state actively pursues cost recovery to pay fire suppression costs.”
Utah’s Fire Sense initiative has made a difference in raising awareness and has reduced wildfires by 52% since its first year, officials say. There were 1,176 human-caused wildfires in 2020. It decreased to 570 in 2021, followed by 466 in 2022 and 288 in 2023, according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Fire Sense tips include parking vehicles away from dry vegetation, making sure a campfire is completely out before walking away, having a plan for if a fire becomes wild, and securing trailer chains before traveling.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the Summit County emergency alert system to stay updated on information regarding fire danger or restrictions. Text SCFIREINFO to 888777 for text alerts on fire conditions, prescribed burns and active fire.
The County Council could implement restrictions such as a fireworks ban at its next meeting. The conversation is scheduled to start at 5:15 p.m. on July 10 at the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville or online via Zoom.