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Willard officials prepare emergency fire restrictions and designate municipal fireworks area ahead of July Fourth
Summary
Facing elevated statewide fire danger, Willard City leaders discussed designating a municipal fireworks zone, notifying the state forester and using emergency authority for temporary restrictions; staff will review the state's webinar and the council tentatively set a Monday meeting to finalize any action.
City leaders on June 25 discussed steps to limit wildfire risk during the July Fourth period, including municipal designation of a fireworks area, publication of a map and rapid public notice.
An agency official described the process under a recent executive order and noted the mayor and fire chief have authority to set a municipal designated area for limited use; the official warned that if the city does not act the state forestercould impose a total ban for the specified days. "If you and Van say, okay, this little area is where these things can happen, then everything else is not allowed," an agency official said.
Council directed staff to watch a League/state webinar that explains the legal framework and to tentatively hold a council meeting Monday evening to consider an emergency resolution if required. Members discussed multiple communication channels (Facebook, water-bill email, door flyers, CERT support) to alert residents and emphasized the need to publish a clear, mapped area and to notify the state forester by the deadline.
Council also discussed enforcement and legal exposure: lighting fireworks outside the municipal zone or during a state ban would leave individuals liable for damages and potentially subject to misdemeanor penalties if reckless. The council asked staff to return with recommended wording and a communications plan before the holiday window.
