Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire chief urges ban on personal fireworks as Manti grapples with extreme wildfire threat
Summary
Fire Chief Elliot Anderson told the Manti City Council volunteers were stretched thin and fires are burning unusually intensely; the council agreed to follow the governor’s short-term ban and to hold a local fireworks resolution for further action.
Manti Fire Chief Elliot Anderson urged the City Council on July 1 to prohibit personal fireworks this year, saying volunteer crews are already stretched thin and that recent fires have burned with unusual intensity.
"The month of June, your volunteer fire service has put over 500 hours in... We're already stretched thin," Anderson said, describing deployments to multiple large fires and flames that he said were 300 feet high in places. He told council members crews had worked extended shifts and that the behavior of fuels and trees this season means fires can threaten communities more rapidly than in prior years.
City manager Jason Brown noted the governor issued an emergency order banning fireworks July 2–5 and said that order supersedes local ordinance during its term. Council members nevertheless agreed to hold the proposed local ordinance in abeyance and to readdress a local ban on July 21 if conditions have not improved. The council also discussed permitting a professional fireworks show only if public-safety resources, wind and coordination with neighboring departments make it feasible.
Councilors and the chief discussed enforcement and cost recovery: Anderson said those who start fires may be held responsible for suppression costs and described the high expense of deploying type 1 engines and personnel. Several council members and the chief urged residents to avoid personal fireworks entirely this season.
The council directed staff to post guidance to the city website and social media and to coordinate with neighboring fire departments on resources and the scheduled reassessment in mid-July.
