LAYTON — Utah’s legislature recently approved the sale and discharge of multi-tube aerial “cake” fireworks. But that doesn’t mean everyone, anywhere, can ignite them.
Layton city’s fire department has restricted the use of the recently-approved aerial fireworks in portions of the city.
“Just because some fireworks are legal, it does not mean that they can be used without incurring some risk,” said Layton Fire Chief Kevin Ward. “People still need to follow safety precautions and watch their children closely.”
Cheif Ward and Fire Marshall Dean Hunt spoke with the Layton city council Thursday evening to express the fire department’s concerns. With all the recent moisture the state has received, Ward said that there are certain areas where the weeds, bushes and other vegetation has grown more than normal. When those areas dry out, any kind of flame could start a devastating fire.
“It looks like after the storm this weekend we may not get another one all summer,” Hunt said.
Layton residents can use the fireworks from June 26 to July 26. Single shot mortars, roman candles, bottle rockets and firecrackers are still prohibited.
The areas in Layton where the aerial fireworks are prohibited include:
• East of 2000 East from the south city limits to Cherry Lane.
• East of Fairfield Road north of Cherry Lane to Church Street.
• East of Church Street from Fairfield Road to Highway 193.
• East of 2400 East from Highway 193 to the north city limits.
• North of 3450 North to the city limits, east of 2000 East.
All fireworks are prohibited east of Highway 89.
“It’s only in the best interest of our citizens,” said Layton Mayor Steve Curtis. “We do want to avoid any potential fires.”
Other Davis County cities have also enacted firework bans.
Farmington has banned all fireworks east of Main Street from the Kaysville border to Center Street as well east of 2nd East from Center Street to the Centerville border.
Bountiful has prohibited the discharge of fireworks east of Davis Boulevard, north of 400 North and east of 900 East.
Kaysville Fire Chief Brett Larkin said that Kaysville does not have any restrictions yet; however, city officials are looking into the issue.
Layton city officials know that residents are eager to experience the newly-allowed fireworks, but they want to inform residents before they purchase the fireworks.
“That’s why we want to get the word out, so people don’t waste their money,” Hunt said.
Layton’s fire and police departments will be enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks in the city. Ward said that they will be looking for the restricted aerial fireworks, and if they find them in restricted areas officials will take appropriate action.
“The plan is not to confiscate them since legally they can have them,” Ward said. “We will have them discharge the fireworks in a different area. We’ve always had to deal with illegal fireworks, and now we have to deal with legal ones.”
Last year, Layton’s fire department confiscated between $3,000 and $4,000 worth of illegal fireworks. Fire department officials will also be inspecting firework sales locations to ensure that only legal fireworks are sold.
“Even though some fireworks are legal, we encourage the people to leave the fireworks to the professionals and come and watch the shows,” Hunt said.
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