Wishing everyone a safe holiday, St. George issues reminder of fire restrictions

Fireworks display over St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo by Andrew Pinckney, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Starting with a spectacular exhibition over water in Samoa – the first country to ring in 2019 –people have begun marking their new beginnings with dazzling fireworks displays of color and light across the night sky.

Stock image, St. George News

New Year’s Eve has always been one of the most popular holidays for fireworks and is a cherished tradition by families all around the globe. However, it is important to remember that everyone needs to act responsibly, safely and of course, for all you knuckleheads out there, within the boundaries of the law.

According to recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were responsible for sending almost 13,000 people to emergency rooms in 2017 and authorities aim to help reduce that number this year.

In a post shared on the St. George Police Department’s Facebook page Friday, the city of St. George issued a reminder to citizens that fireworks restrictions are still in place and have released a list of safety tips and restrictions on the city’s website to make sure everyone has a happy and safe holiday celebration.

2018 St. George fireworks restrictions

Once again due to the extreme fire danger and unsafe burning conditions in southwestern Utah, the St. George fire chief signed an order prohibiting fireworks in many areas of the city. A map of the restricted areas is available online here.

Map 2018 fireworks restrictions for New Year’s Eve 2018 in St. George | Map courtesy of St. George City, St. George News

No fireworks of any kind are to be used within 200 feet of the following areas:

  • Dry washes and drainages
  • River and stream corridors
  • Hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops
  • Undeveloped open space or natural terrain
  • Use of fireworks is completely prohibited in the development north of Snow Canyon Parkway on state Route 18, including The Ledges.

Prohibited activities include:

  • No discharge of fireworks within the areas listed
  • No firecrackers, cherry bombs, roman candles, bottle rockets, single or reloadable mortars, or other Class “C” fireworks not approved by the state of Utah.
  • Recreational fires, unless the location is approved by the fire department (click here for recreational burning regulations)
  • Welding, cutting or grinding within the areas listed, unless approved by the fire department.
  • No sky lanterns

Safety tips

  • Use only fireworks purchased in Utah from licensed dealers or retailers. If you purchased the fireworks out of state, they may not be legal in this state.  You will be cited if found to be in possession of illegal fireworks, and will be responsible to pay for damages and extinguishing costs as a result of any fires that you cause.
  • Use fireworks only with responsible adult supervision at all times.
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
  • Light the fireworks in an open area and on a noncombustible surface, such as a driveway or paved area.
  • If windy conditions exist, do not light fireworks.
  • Keep a bucket of water available.
  • Handle used and dud fireworks with a shovel.
  • Soak fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water or douse them with a hose prior to disposal.
  • Keep clear while lighting fireworks, and do not lean over them at any time.
  • Do not relight dud fireworks.
  • Watch out for your pets and animals. Keep them indoors and away from the displays.
  • Check for any restrictions that may apply to your area.

Local fireworks retailers should also have maps available for patrons to view restricted areas.

If anyone has any additional questions about how to use their fireworks properly and safely or would like more information about obtaining a pyrotechnics display permit, they are urged to contact the St. George Fire Department at 435-627-4150.

For emergencies call 911, or to report the discharge of fireworks in restricted areas, please call the non-emergency dispatch number at 435-627-4300.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews | @andrewjpinckney

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

 

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1 Comment

  • utahdiablo January 1, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    Your story forgot to mention that Fireworks were only legal to use on New Years Eve…not New Years day …we had these knuckleheads blowing them off from 9 pm until 2 am in Washington county last night….so tonight, give it a rest, or have the cops at your door

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