Fire concerns grow beyond July 4 holiday due to dry conditions

As the July 4th holiday approaches this weekend, fire concerns grow as the threat of fires loom.

While promoting the annual Fourth of July fireworks show Sunday night, a press release from the city also issued a warning to residents of the city’s ordinance banning the use of fireworks within city limits and states police officers will be patrolling the streets in search of violators.

“Conditions are also very dry on the outskirts of the city and we ask that you be cautious and careful and help keep you and our first responders safe,” the city’s release states.

Mike Bournazian, the county’s fire warden, said the past month was the busiest for him in the six year’s he was worked for the county.

He said the fire season started about six weeks earlier than last year due to weather conditions, as well as the amount of moisture in local fire fuels.

“We’re drier and warmer than the last couple of years,” he said.

While fireworks use is prohibited in the cities and public lands, they are allowed on county lands, provided the land owner give permission for their use.

Bournazian said people should be aware of what specific fireworks should do when lit and advises against lighting aerial during heavy winds. He also suggests keeping a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher on hand if sparks ignite a fire.

However, Bournazian is urging residents to be mindful of fires beyond the upcoming holiday.

“Everyone needs to be fire prevention conscious the entire summer,” he said.

Roadside fires account for a majority of the fires the county fire department has responded to, with many caused by under inflated trailer tires or sparks created by safety chains dragging along the pavement, igniting grasses on the side of the road.

Because tires are woven with steel, an under inflated dire can heat up and blow out, with the tire fragments being hot enough to ignite dry grasses.

Bournazian said smokers should avoid throwing their cigarette butts to the ground, saying they should contain them in a can and smoke in an area clear of grass or debris.

Campers who enjoy spots on the Flaming Gorge’s shoreline should also be aware about fire restrictions prohibiting campfires in the Ashley National Forest impact them. While campfires are allowed in approved fire rings at camp sites, Bournazian said makeshift rings found along the shore don’t apply.

He also said people should be aware of the consequences and can face criminal charges if their actions lead to a fire, as well as being accountable for the cost of containing the fire.