Every year, firefighters dread the rush of calls that inevitably follows Fourth of July festivities. On July 4, 2020, the Mitchell family in Herriman made one of those calls. “Our children and grandchildren from out of town were in the backyard setting off fireworks and having fun,” William Mitchell said. 

Mitchell’s son, Dave, placed an aerial firework in a metal canister to protect the flame from the troublesome wind and lit it with a flourish, running to a safe distance. The family cheered until a gust of wind suddenly blew the canister over. In horror, they watched the firework shoot sideways across the yard to collide with a 6-year-old granddaughter and then continue over a fence, finally landing in an adjacent field. 

A field full of very dry, dead grass. 

Immediately, flames began spreading through the brush, and pandemonium broke out as everyone panicked. Fortunately, the 6-year-old girl had singed hair but was otherwise fine. Dave grabbed a hose attached to the house and attempted to spray water over the fence on the rapidly growing fire, but the hose wasn’t long enough; all that reached the flames were a few pathetic drops. 

Meanwhile, someone had called 911, but emergency personnel were so busy that the caller was put on hold.

Soon, a neighbor rushed over with a fire extinguisher and saved the day. “The most embarrassing thing is that there were two extinguishers in the house, but no one thought to get them,” Dave said. “Everyone just panicked.” 

The family recognizes how incredibly fortunate they were and stresses the importance of preparing physically and mentally for a fire; keep extinguishers next to you and be ready to use them.

Last June and July alone, the United Fire Authority received 91 calls about fires caused by fireworks, not including medical calls related to fireworks injuries.

“One of the biggest issues that we run into every year are aerial fireworks,” Captain Tony Barker of the Unified Fire Authority said. “They are unpredictable. Especially here, where it can be dry and windy. The sparks can land pretty much anywhere.”

“Utah legal aerial fireworks are designed to travel up to 150 feet into the air and then explode,” Herriman City’s website says. If an aerial goes astray, it can travel significantly farther than expected.

“Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers…, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death,” the National Fire Protection Association says on its website. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported eight fireworks-related deaths in 2023 and estimated that between June 16, 2023, and July 16, 2023, at least 9,700 fireworks-related injuries nationwide necessitated treatment in an emergency room. Sparklers accounted for 700 of these. 

Unbeknownst to many parents, Barker says sparklers can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Glass melts at 900 degrees, and wood ignites at 575 degrees. “And just because it’s gone out doesn’t mean it’s not still hot,” he said.

He also cautions users of Roman candles, which launch colorful balls into the air at 1,200 to 2,200 degrees. “If you get hit with one of those balls, your clothing will catch on fire or worse if it hits your skin,” Barker said. “People will use it as a Harry Potter wand and get into Roman candle fights. It’s ridiculously dangerous.”

Herriman residents are subject to city and state restrictions for the purchase and use of fireworks. It is only legal to sell Class C common state-approved fireworks in Utah from June 24 to July 25, Dec. 29 to Dec. 31 and two days before and on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

The Utah Fireworks Act dictates dates and times for legally lighting fireworks. Discharging during the summer is only allowed from July 2 to July 5 and from July 22 to July 25 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. On the 4th and 24th, the deadline is extended to midnight. Fireworks are also legal on Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

“Cities may restrict fireworks in specific types of areas within their boundaries,” the Herriman website says. “These areas include woodlands with vegetation near homes and urban areas as well as spaces within 200 feet of waterways, trails [and] canyons…” Working with UFA, the city has designated areas of Herriman where fireworks are prohibited. See a map of current restricted areas on Herriman’s website.

“Please use extreme caution, review the map of the prohibited areas, be mindful of wind conditions and remember to be considerate of those around you,” the city website says. 

Failure to observe these specifications could cost more than a trip to the hospital. “A person guilty of an infraction can be punished by a fine up to $1,000,” the UFA website states.

But by being careful, residents may still celebrate safely. The UFA and Herriman City offer a list of fireworks safety guidelines.

Obey all state and local laws.

• Purchase only legal fireworks from licensed dealers.

•Read instructions and warnings before lighting.

• Never position your body or your head over a firework.

• Never look into a tube containing a firework.

• Never handle a lit firework.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry location.

• Never carry a firework in your pocket.

• Never point, aim or throw a firework at someone.

• Soak used fireworks in water before disposing.

• Only adults should handle or light fireworks. 

• Only use fireworks outside on a hard, level surface in an open area clear of debris and away from buildings and vehicles. 

• Never light a firework near dry brush and grass.

• Keep spectators at least 30 feet away.

• Never drink alcohol when discharging fireworks.

• Light fireworks one at a time.

• Never try to relight a “dud.” Leave it for five minutes, then soak in water and dispose.

• Light fireworks downwind of spectators. If wind is significant, wait until conditions improve to continue.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher or a plentiful source of water close.

• Keep pets inside and farm animals away.

• Wear safety glasses.

• Never light fireworks in a container.

• Use a flat wooden board and bricks for stability if lighting aerials on grass. Aerials must be at least 30 feet from any structure or vertical obstacle.

“The threat of wildfire is always extremely high in Herriman, even if we have a wet winter or spring,” the city’s website says. “The risk of fire is increased when individuals choose to ignore safety guidelines and light fireworks outside the legal and safe discharge areas.”

To report the use of illegal fireworks, call Herriman Police dispatch at (801) 840-4000. For emergencies, please call 911. “Please use extreme caution. Make sure children are far away, have a bucket of water and don’t hesitate to call 911,” Barker said. “It’s better that we end up turning around than we get to you too late.” λ