On Friday, Ogden City sent out a press release reminding the public that there are areas of town with stringent restrictions on fireworks and open flames due to conditions.

“While fireworks remain legal to purchase in Utah through July 25, and the state-designated discharge dates of July 22-25 remain in effect, it is critical to understand that Ogden City’s local firework restrictions are now more stringent under orange status,” the release said. “Under these conditions, no fireworks — ground or aerial — are allowed in designated restricted areas. Also, all open flames are prohibited including outdoor fire pits, and any wood burning apparatus. Propane and gas grills are still allowed. These zones include the east bench above Harrison Boulevard, trailheads, natural open spaces, and other fire-prone areas.”

The press release comes on the heels of a July 6 fire that was caused by fireworks.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Pioneer Day holiday — but we need everyone to do so safely, respectfully, and within the law,” Ogden Fire Chief Mike Slater said in Friday’s press release. “The fire on July 6 came dangerously close to homes and displaced a family. We ask our community to please follow the posted restrictions. A single careless spark can devastate neighborhoods, demand immense resources, and put lives at risk.”

Photo supplied, Ogden City Fire Department

The July 6 fire burned around 3-5 acres near the Ninth Street trailhead and Maxfield Drive. Several people had to be temporarily evacuated and a handful of homes received damage with one home being damaged severely enough that a family was displaced.

The blaze was reported around 12:30 a.m. on July 6 — well after the legal discharge period for the Independence Day holiday had ended at 11 p.m. on July 5.

The fireworks had also been discharged in an area east of Harrison Boulevard, which has had the above-mentioned restrictions placed on it for several years.

And while the Ogden City Fire Department had run patrols through the area and had extra staffing on hand throughout the discharge period, these had ceased around midnight.

Slater told the Standard-Examiner that, as of Friday, no responsible parties have been found.

He added that patrols will be enacted again throughout the Pioneer Day discharge period.

“Ogden fire and Ogden police will be out in force patrolling the restricted areas,” he said. “Signs are also placed by trailheads stating the fire restrictions.”

Slater said it takes the community’s cooperation to keep Ogden safe during the fireworks discharge period.

“We work diligently to protect our community,” he said. “Following the rules and reporting violators will help us from repeating what happened the early morning of July 6. It will take a community to keep our community safe.”

Fireworks may be shot off within city limits between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. between Tuesday and Friday with the exception that fireworks may be discharged until midnight on Thursday.

For those residents living outside of the restricted areas, the city notes there is a lot people can do to make their own properties safe for fireworks discharge and fire pits.

“Residents can also contribute by creating defensible space around their homes,” the city’s press release said. “Clearing dry brush, trimming overhanging limbs, and removing flammable debris from yards can significantly reduce fire risk and help build a more resilient community.”

The release adds that illegal discharge of fireworks can be costly to an individual.

Ogden City also reminded residents that under its negligent fire ordinance, individuals responsible for illegal firework use may be held liable for all firefighting costs and damages,” the release said.

Fireworks remain restricted within all unincorporated lands in Weber County.

To report illegal firework activity, residents are asked to contact nonemergency dispatch at (801) 395-8221. In the event of an emergency, call 911.