Holiday Fireworks

With the summer festivals and holidays right around the corner, I have recieved a number of inquires regarding the use of Fireworks in West Valley City.  State laws have been altered over the past few years to include different types of fireworks and the dates that they can be used.  By state lawUtahns are allowed to discharge fireworks July 1-7, July 21-27, December 31, and Chinese New Year.  Ariel firework that have a range under 150 feet are generally now permissable. Due to some of those changes and the potential for fire damage the City Council has instituted a fireworks ban in West Valley City anywhere west of U-111.  As always the discharge of firarms is prhibited within all areas of the city. Below is a list of of FAQ and facts regarding the use of fireworks from the Utah Department of Public Safety:

Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Read all instructions to reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury. Follow all safety guidelines exactly.

Children should not handle fireworks. You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks. Adults are to supervise any activity that includes fireworks.

Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only knowing and clear-headed adults should handle fireworks.

Adults should never use alcohol or drugs or be impaired while engaged in handling,

using, placing or lighting fireworks.

New aerial type fireworks are now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as "multiple tube", "repeater", or "cake" fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.

These fireworks need sufficient space from trees, carports, structures, power lines or other high or low obstacles. Aerial or "cake" fireworks need at least a 30 foot clearance around on the ground and at least 150 foot clearance in the air.

Not allowed still are: firecrackers, M-80’s, cherry bombs, bottle-rockets, roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes. All local, state and federal laws must be adhered to.

Use common sense at all times when handling fireworks. Do not alter, change or experiment with makeshift or any firework device and do not allow others to violate the law.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Do not place fireworks in your pockets.

Only use fireworks out of doors. Never play with, set or light fireworks under a carport or overhang, inside a building or compartment.

Never shoot fireworks in windy conditions.

Keep a bucket of water or running hose nearby during the time of lighting and disposing

of fireworks and in case of an emergency.

Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Keep all unused fireworks 30 feet away from the shooting area.

Make sure other people are out of range at a reasonable distance before lighting fireworks. Do not point or throw fireworks at people, animals or where they may not be under proper control. And remember, sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They are extremely deceptive in nature and can be an extraordinarily dangerous device in the hands of children and can cause serious burns and injuries if not cared for properly.

Light fireworks one at a time. Do not attempt to light multiple fireworks at any time. Do not relight a firework whose fuse has burned away. Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks. Soak fireworks that did not ignite in a bucket of water. Once the firework is lit, get away quickly to a safe distance.

Keep clear of the firework. Never place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup a burning firework. Never look into the tube or stay close to the burning end of the device. Never hold a lit firework in your hand.

Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise and lights can cause fear and stress.