Critical fire conditions expected across northern Utah on eve of Fourth of July

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — On the eve of the Independence Day holiday — when fireworks will legally be exploding in cities across Utah — gusty winds and dry weather are setting the stage for critical fire conditions, including along the Wasatch Front.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning Wednesday for northern Utah, including the metropolitan areas of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Warnings were also issued for the San Rafael Swell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Per the warnings, westerly winds are expected to pick up Wednesday afternoon and evening, gusting up to 30 mph. Meanwhile, relative humidity will be between 10-15%. This combination of gusty winds, warm temperatures and low humidity is what prompts weather officials to issue red flag warnings.

During this time, forecasters are urging people to be careful with fireworks, as stray sparks could light wildfires in the dried-out grasses across the state. Earlier this year, state officials warned that conditions are primed for potentially destructive wildfires due to back-to-back wet winters bringing abundant vegetation. Already, 402 wildfires have flared up across Utah this year, with 292 of them caused by humans.

Fireworks in Utah

In Utah, fireworks are legally allowed to be lit between July 2-5 for the Independence Day holiday and from July 22-25 for Pioneer Day. Across Utah, there are city-level restrictions on where people can legally light fireworks.

In Salt Lake City, for instance, fireworks are allowed in the city limits, so long as they are not west of Redwood Road, north of South Temple, and east of 900 South. They are also not allowed in parks or along the Jordan River. (Unified Fire has an interactive map showing where fireworks can be launched across the Salt Lake Valley.)

Cpt. Tony Barker, with Unified Fire Authority, told ABC4.com last week that firefighters are preparing for a busy Fourth of July. He said the recent hot, dry weather combined with so much abundant fuel could “create havoc” over the holiday.

He cautioned people to be extremely careful with personal fireworks, particularly aerial fireworks. Barker advised that handlers prop aerial fireworks up with bricks to make sure they don’t fall over and rocket into dry grass or an open garage.

Those who shoot fireworks in prohibited areas or outside of the legal timeframes could face a fine up to $1,000. In Utah, fireworks are probitied on state and federal lands.

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