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Holladay council reviews fireworks restriction map, enforcement and fines ahead of summer
Summary
Council members reviewed last year’s fireworks restriction map and state statute limits, discussed enforcement challenges and fines (noted as $1,000), and heard a fire marshal recommendation not to expand areas allowed for fireworks; staff will place restriction options on the next agenda.
Councilmembers reviewed maps used in prior years to define where consumer fireworks are allowed and where they are restricted under state law, and discussed enforcement challenges and potential fines.
Discussion details: Council reviewed last year’s map and accompanying descriptions (staff packet), and a speaker summarized the state statute that allows restriction based on hazardous conditions rather than broad public preference. Council members noted enforcement difficulty in pocketed areas where one street may be allowed and the next restricted.
The fire marshal’s recommendation, reported in council discussion, was not to increase the amount of city area available for fireworks. Council members talked about enforcement staffing during peak times (typically the Fourth of July) and noted the statutory fine for violations referenced in the discussion as $1,000.
Next steps: Councilmembers said they would include fireworks-area restrictions on an upcoming agenda so the council can decide what to submit to the county (mapping is performed by UFA or county mapping partners). Members emphasized the ability to pivot if conditions (drought or high fire risk) change in the summer.
Public interest: Several public commenters earlier in the meeting had urged the city to permit fireworks this year, reminding the council of prior community decisions and urging consistency; the council acknowledged those comments and indicated a timetable for agenda review.
