FRUIT HEIGHTS — Concerned about fire danger along its border with the Utah National Forest, the city recently approved a new fireworks ordinance, outlining the section of the city where fireworks are banned for 2012.
Fireworks are not allowed in locations east of Mountain Road, starting at the Farmington border, across to north of 400 North along Highway 89.
City officials adopted various fireworks restrictions in past years, hoping to preventing the hills from catching on fire. “We’ve adopted different fire ordinances based on how dry we are each year,” said Mayor Todd Stevenson.
City officials don’t anticipate much objection from residents, because they get frequent calls asking the city to ban fireworks as much as possible along the hillsides.
“It is more of a preventative ordinance for our city’s protection,” Councilman Don Carroll said. “The fire department can respond better to neighborhoods, but any fires in the foothills would be hard to get to.”
City council members were concerned because the city has no method of enforcement, other than the Davis County Sheriff’s Department.
There was some discussion about Nicholls Park and Bear Creek Hollow — both in the approved area for fireworks — being problematic areas if fireworks were to ignite a fire. However, the city decided not to ban fireworks in those areas.
Residents who are in the area where fireworks are banned can set off fireworks at the local city offices on Mountain Road or in any of the city parks, just as long as they clean up after themselves, officials said.
“It is damage control for our trails and protecting our investments,” Councilwoman Diane Anderson said. “No one likes to be evicted from their house in case of a fire. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.”
If the whole city becomes parched before fireworks season, the city will implement further restrictions. But for now, officials said, more than half of the city will still be allowed to light fireworks during the holidays in July.
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