Fire chief: annual fireworks restriction in place for south and west neighborhoods; city outlines safety steps at Romer Park

The Washington Terrace Fire Chief told the City Council on June 3 that the city again will implement an annual fireworks restriction in the hills-facing neighborhoods designed to reduce fire risk.

The Fire Chief (name not stated at the meeting) said the restriction generally covers properties south of 5500 South and west of 500 West; the ordinance enabling the mayor or fire marshal to impose a restriction dates to about 2017, the chief said. The restriction must be reviewed and approved each year by the State Fire Marshal, the chief said.

During a question-and-answer period, the chief described the state distinction between permitted and illegal consumer fireworks. "It's what's called a Class C firework," the chief said of items commonly sold for legal use in Utah, describing them as "cake" or multi-shot devices that should be braced to avoid tipping. The chief said illegal items include bottle rockets, firecrackers, single-shot mortar shells and other devices that can reach 200 to 300 feet, while cake-style multi-shot devices typically reach 100 to 150 feet.

Enforcement in Washington Terrace can include a fine of up to $50, the chief said, but most residents comply after officers explain the restriction and direct them to where they may legally discharge fireworks outside the restricted area. The chief also said the city coordinates with Riverdale, which has adjacent restricted pockets on the map, and that both jurisdictions assist each other when brush or fires occur around July 4.

The Fire Chief described preparations at Romer Park, an area of concern because of nearby hills and brush. City crews will wet down the hillside and nearby play surfaces, place sprinklers and have Riverdale fire personnel on hand as part of a coordinated safety approach. The chief said this is the second year the team has used these tactics at Romer Park.

No change to the existing ordinance was proposed at the meeting; the chief said the city will submit the restriction to the State Fire Marshal for annual approval.