July is a family-favorite month in Utah marked by two big holidays at the beginning and the end. On the fourth, we celebrate our country’s independence, and on the 24th, we honor the pioneers who settled in this great state. While families may choose to enjoy these holidays in different ways, many look forward to sharing meals, camping, and setting off fireworks together. And, in a state that gets as hot and dry as Utah in mid-summer, the last two items on the aforementioned list can be risky.
In the year 2020, ABC4 News reported that there were 520 human-caused wildfires in Utah – the majority being sparked by fireworks. According to the Utah Wildfire Annual Report, there were 339 total human-caused wildfires in Utah last year (2023). Of those human-caused fires, campfires were among the top three causes.
Fortunately, human-caused wildfire starts have been on a downward trajectory over the past three years. However, we still need to be vigilant to make sure we don’t break the trend in 2024. With that goal in mind, here are some fire safety tips to follow this camping and fireworks season.
When camping during fire season in Utah, you need to accept the fact that having a campfire may not always be wise or legal. A small flame that would be easy to manage in cooler, greener conditions can quickly get out of hand in hot, dry weather, which is why it’s important to research the fire restrictions and weather conditions in your area. Utah Fire Info (links.servedaily.com/utah-fire-info) has restrictions outlined using two stages.
Stage 1 restrictions typically mean you can only start fires in campgrounds with agency-compliant fire rings. Stage 2 restrictions generally mean you may not start open fires of any kind. With proper clearance, stoves, liquid gas grills, compressed gas grills, and firepits with a shutoff valve may be allowed even during stage 2 restrictions.
Even in areas where campfires are allowed, you still need to use wisdom when starting, monitoring, and extinguishing them. According to UtahFireSense.org, almost 30% of Utah’s human-caused wildfires could be avoided by simply keeping a watchful eye on campfires and extinguishing them properly.
Before starting a campfire, pay attention to wind conditions. If it’s windy, wait for a calmer time to enjoy a fire. This is a good rule of thumb to follow even if you have a propane campfire that’s technically “allowed.”
Once you light a fire, you essentially volunteer to be that fire’s babysitter until it’s fully extinguished. That means watching to make sure it never gets too big to manage. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand to immediately put out any errant embers that might catch fire. Never walk away from a campfire, even if it’s only for a few moments.
After you’ve roasted your s’mores and sang your campfire songs, you need to make sure your fire is fully extinguished before walking away. If you pay attention to local social media groups, you’ve probably noticed people reporting unattended campfires up Payson and other canyons recently. Fortunately, these stories have happy endings because observant people discovered and extinguished the fires. But things could have ended very differently in any of those scenarios.
When extinguishing a fire, douse it with water until it no longer hisses. Be sure to pour water on all of the embers, not just the ones that look red. If you forgot to bring water with you and aren’t camped near a water source, smother the fire with dirt or sand. Use a shovel to break up the embers and bury the fire.
If your fire gets out of control despite your best efforts to contain it, Call 911 or local fire authorities immediately. You may face criminal charges if your campfire leads to a wildfire, but you’ll likely face much stiffer charges if you refuse to report the fire at all.
As with campfires, it’s important to exercise caution when dealing with fireworks. Always check for local restrictions before lighting fireworks, even if they’re small. If you’re allowed to set off fireworks in your area, choose a safe area away from flammable materials such as pine trees, dry leaves, and dry grass. Aim fireworks away from buildings and spectators. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to put out any errant flames that may pop up due to falling embers.
Never attempt to hold exploding fireworks in your hand as they go off. Instead, use cinder blocks to prop fireworks up so they don’t fall over as they go off. At the end of the night, drop spent fireworks containers into a large bucket of water. Leave them there overnight to ensure they’re fully extinguished and cooled down before placing them into a garbage can.
Following these summer safety tips will help you and your family enjoy summer camping and fireworks without unintentionally starting the next raging Utah wildfire.
