As Utah fires continue to burn, Cache Valley restrictions increase

<strong>LOGAN—</strong> While firefighters battled a nine-square-mile blaze 40 miles south of Salt Lake City Monday, Governor Gary Herbert explained the statewide fireworks restrictions in place this year at a press conference.

Logan fire marshal Craig Humphreys said the risk of fires this year is extremely high, and to mitigate that risk Utah has restricted the use of fireworks to within city limits.

“Every year we have a few small fires that start with fireworks,” Humphreys said. “Some years are worse than others.”

However, each city can set restrictions within that city, Humphreys said. Most incorporated area in Cache Valley set restrictions this year based on the very dry environmental conditions, Humphreys said. This is in sharp contrast to last year, when it was so wet there were no restrictions.

Humphreys advised those who live outside of city limits find family members or friends living in a city to set off fireworks with.

“Make it a group activity,” Humphreys suggested.

While recommending those who set off fireworks in the city find a place where the grass is green and well-watered, Humphreys also cautioned against lighting off fireworks near dry grasses, weeds or brush.

According to <a href=”http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/” target=”_blank”>UtahFireInfo.gov</a>, 393 human-caused fires in Utah this year have so far burned more than 99,000 acres of land. Firefighters are currently fighting four wild-land fires in the central and southern parts of the state.

The restrictions for Cache Valley, provided by the Utah Department of <a href=”http://publicsafety.utah.gov/firemarshal/RestrictedFireworksAreas.html” target=”_blank”>Public Safety’s website</a>, are as follows:

<ul> <li>Logan – No fireworks are allowed north of Highway 89 (400 North), and east of 1700 East. Additionally, no fireworks are allowed south of Highway 89 and east of 1400 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>River Heights – All areas east of 1000 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Providence – All areas east of 400 East, south of Canyon Road and south of 600 South.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>North Logan – All areas east of 1600 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Hyde Park – All areas east of 400 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Smithfield – All areas east of 700 East from the city’s southern border to Center Street, east of 470 East from Center Street to Canyon Road, east of 300 East from 200 North to the city’s northern border.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Richmond  – All areas east of 300 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Hyrum – All areas east of 1300 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Millville – All areas east of 550 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Nibley – All areas east of Hollow Road.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Wellsville – All areas west of 200 West from the city’s northern boundary to 900 South. All areas south of 900 South to the city’s eastern boundary.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Paradise – All areas east of 100 East.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Lewiston – All areas west of 2400 West and east of 800 East.</li> <li>Rich County – Fireworks and open flames banned in all areas.</li> </ul>

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