Fruit Heights council adopts county, state fire-restriction maps; enforces fireworks and open-fire limits for remainder of year

The Fruit Heights City Council voted to enforce the Davis County and state fire-restriction maps, limiting fireworks and open fires in specified areas for the remainder of the year and subject to annual review.

Council action followed public comment raising safety concerns amid drought conditions and a recent brush fire behind a local church. Resident Linda Krismer appealed to the council to ban consumer fireworks, saying, “Please say no to fireworks for July 24 and for future holidays.” Councilmembers debated whether to adopt county mapping and whether the restriction should be indefinite; a council member moved to approve the maps from Davis County and the state, and the motion carried.

Why it matters: The restrictions change where and when consumer fireworks and certain open fires are permitted inside Fruit Heights for the remainder of the calendar year and clarify that the city will use state- and county-level guidance on fire-risk areas. Councilmembers said the measure is intended to reduce ignition risk during a worsening drought and to align with regional mapping used by fire officials.

Most important facts: The council’s motion directs enforcement of the county and state restrictions on fireworks and open fires within the city for the remainder of this year; the council discussed that the city reviews and adopts its wildfire prescription annually (typically reviewed in June) and will coordinate future changes with Davis County and state guidance. Councilmembers also noted that enforcement includes both illegal fireworks and open fires and talked about notifying residents and sharing maps publicly.

Supporting details: Public comment emphasized noise, insurance cancellations, and the risk of home loss if a fire spreads. Councilmembers and staff referenced a recent brush fire behind Mountain Road Church and said embers had blown across Mountain Road into a private yard. Fire department coordination was discussed: Councilmember Mark said he and staff met with the new Davis County fire chief, Shelby Willis, who was reported to be actively coordinating response and had already placed a truck in the city around recent holidays to monitor risk.

The council discussed practical implications and public outreach. A member said she had printed maps to show residents the restricted areas and emphasized not making the restriction permanent without future review. Another member noted concern about restricting small, supervised backyard fires for marshmallow roasting, saying the city should avoid overly broad prohibitions while still protecting public safety.

What the council directed or decided: The council adopted enforcement of the county/state fire-restriction map for fireworks and open fires for the rest of the year and will continue annual review and coordination with county and state officials. The motion passed; the council instructed staff to publicize the restricted areas so residents are aware of the limits and potential enforcement.

Context and next steps: Staff and councilmembers said they will coordinate outreach so residents understand the map boundaries and that enforcement will follow state and county guidance. Councilmembers suggested a future review next year with Davis County and state fire officials before setting permanent local policy changes.

Ending: The council’s action applies through the remainder of the current year, with councilmembers planning to review mapping, outreach, and enforcement with county and state partners during the regular annual review cycle.