UTAH'S DROUGHT
Lehi Restricts Additional Areas to Fireworks
Jun 30, 2021, 5:16 PM | Updated: 8:55 pm
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LEHI, Utah – Just two days before fireworks are allowed to be set off in Utah, officials in Lehi Wednesday morning announced new areas where fireworks will be off limits this year.
As a compromise, the city opened four parks where fireworks will be allowed this weekend.
NOW: @LehiCity is announcing new fireworks restrictions in additional areas of the city.
The restrictions were just approved last night ahead the 4th of July holiday weekend @KSL5TV @KSLcom @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/1YDspCaNfj
— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) June 30, 2021
“Really what we’re trying to do with this is eliminate the large hazards—anything that could really get away from us,” said Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft about the new restricted areas.
In addition to the normal restricted areas along Traverse Mountain (all areas north of SR-92 or Timpanogos Highway) and the Dry Creek Corridor, the city has now also prohibited fireworks in areas south of Pioneer Crossing, west of the Jordan River and along the eastern city borders.
“If you’re caught lighting fireworks in a restricted area you’re going to be fined up to $1,000”
Here is the updated map from @LehiCity showing areas where #Fireworks are restricted this year and the 4 parks where they are allowed.
MORE at 5pm on @KSL5TV @kslnewsradio @KSLcom pic.twitter.com/1yDyP1aG7k
— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) June 30, 2021
“If you’re caught lighting fireworks in a restricted area you’re going to be fined up to $1,000,” Craft said.
Fire crews went around Wednesday to fireworks stands in Lehi and provided updated maps. Chief Craft said he is asking for help in alerting residents about the new areas where fireworks are banned.
“If you know about these restrictions and you have neighbors who are planning to do it and you live in those restricted areas, please pass the word,” he said. “And if you’re uncomfortable doing that, give us a call, we’re happy to go out and try to spread the word.”
Lehi’s fire department will be working with the city’s police department to enforce the new restrictions, educate residents and issue citations if needed.
The city designated four parks where residents can discharge fireworks on July 3-4. Firefighters will be stationed at each park to monitor the celebrations.
- Olympic Park – 2700 West Parkside Drive
- Sage Vista Park – 1125 West 500 North
- Veterans Ballpark – 850 West Main Street
- Sports Park – 2000 West 700 South
During the press conference announcing the new restrictions, Chief Craft pushed residents to skip fireworks all together this year.
“I really encourage citizens to just go attend a professional shoot,” he said. “Skip this year. Help us protect the city.”
City officials said the memories are still fresh of last summer’s Traverse Fire and the frantic evacuations caused by illegal fireworks in a restricted area.
“The impact that had on our community and none of us want to go through that again,” said Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson. “However, the drought this year is even worse than it was last year so we’re all very aware of the capacity of reliving that experience and we don’t want to do it.”
For several overnight hours from June 27-28 last year, strong winds fanned the flames towards homes. Fortunately, the winds shifted at the last minute and no homes were lost. Two teens were eventually charged for sparking the fire.
