Residents and mayor press Drummond council to consider fireworks limits after yard fires and medical incidents

Mayor Gail Leeper and the Town of Drummond Council heard multiple residents on July 16 urge limits on fireworks after a string of fire-related calls and personal injuries.

Jackie Bolster, Granite County DES coordinator, opened public comment by saying Granite County moved to STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS on July 16 after eight fire-related calls since July 4 and distributed informational cards with a QR link to the state website showing current statewide fire conditions. Bolster said restrictions will be reevaluated weekly.

Several residents described safety and health impacts they attributed to fireworks. Resident Chris Norton urged the town to consider a fireworks ordinance and suggested options including a total ban or a narrower approach allowing only “safe and sane” ground fireworks on July 4. Norton said fireworks are "not only dangerous to fields, causing fires; but also, is hazardous to citizens within the community, such as: Veterans that have PTSD."

Glen Kolbeck described repeated livestock injuries and losses when animals panic and run into fences during prolonged fireworks activity; he asked the council to limit fireworks to July 4 until midnight. His wife Deborah Kolbeck said she has taken Glen to the emergency room on past Fourths and described pets that hide or have seizures when fireworks are set off. K.C. Norton said she had a seizure this Fourth of July after seven years seizure-free and recounted driving 300 miles with dogs to avoid local fireworks.

Bolster and other residents also reported fireworks-related yard fires. Bolster said she found a burn mark on her house and a spent firework lodged in the lawn this season and warned the hazards are greater given dry conditions under Stage 1 restrictions.

Mayor Leeper said the council has received multiple calls about dangerous fireworks activity and noted possible liability to the town and taxpayers. She asked the council to consult with the town's insurance and to involve law enforcement and the public in any potential ordinance development. Town Attorney McGill advised that a fireworks restriction would need to be enforced through a town ordinance and recommended a citizens committee and a public town hall meeting—without immediate decision-making—to gather broader input and to plan enforcement.

The council agreed to schedule a town hall meeting in August or September, include law enforcement and town council members, and consider forming a citizens committee to develop options and enforcement approaches. No ordinance or formal restriction was adopted at the July 16 meeting.

The council noted that other municipalities have moved to outright bans and that enforcement and clear jurisdictional responsibilities (town vs. county/state) will be key considerations in drafting any local rule. The town asked citizens to participate in the upcoming town hall to inform possible next steps.