Sandy City bans personal fireworks citywide as wildfire danger rises

Sandy City has prohibited the discharge of all personal fireworks anywhere within city limits ahead of the July 4 holiday, citing extreme wildfire danger and exceptionally dry conditions, Fire Chief Brian McConaughey and Police Chief Jeff Niper said.

The chiefs said the ban is citywide and will be enforced. "The city has made the difficult decision to prohibit the discharge of all personal fireworks anywhere within Sandy City limits," they said, noting the community has already seen multiple vegetation fires in the days before the holiday.

The officials said the city responded to three vegetation fires in Dimple Dell Park this week, and warned that "one illegal firework can create embers that spread quickly through dry vegetation threatening homes, businesses, and lives." They urged residents to avoid personal fireworks this year and to prioritize prevention.

Enforcement measures for people found illegally discharging fireworks may include citations, fines, criminal charges and financial responsibility for damage caused, the chiefs said. Parents were specifically urged to speak with children and teenagers about the ban; officials warned that if a minor violates the prohibition or starts a fire, parents may be held financially and legally responsible.

Officials asked anyone who sees fireworks being used illegally to call 911 or the Sandy City Police non-emergency line at 801-799-3000. They also encouraged residents to "leave the fireworks to the professionals" and attend Sandy City's 4th of July celebration at the Sandy City Promenade, where a professional fireworks display will be presented.

The ban is in effect now, and city officials closed the announcement by thanking the community for cooperation in helping keep Sandy safe.