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The Park Record editorial, July 21-24, 2012

Remember, the ban on fireworks is still in place

Park City and the rest of Summit County got through the Fourth of July without a significant blaze started by fireworks.

In Utah, of course, there is another holiday typically celebrated with fireworks. Pioneer Day, which commemorates the arrival of the Mormon faithful in what is now the Salt Lake Valley, is on Tuesday.

Pioneer Day is not widely celebrated in the Park City area, but people on the East Side of Summit County mark the state holiday with events and gatherings. Wherever in Summit County people are remembering the 1847 trek, we urge them to leave the fireworks out of the revelry.

The weather cooled down a bit and there has been on-and-off rain since the Fourth of July, but the danger of a fire remains heightened. An errant firecracker or bottle rocket can still have disastrous consequences, whether someone is spending Pioneer Day in the Park City area, in the Uinta Mountains, or on the banks of a river or reservoir. The smoky skies from wildfires miles away from Summit County just a few weeks ago should still serve as reminders.

Leaders in Park City and Summit County, smartly, banned the use of fireworks as the Fourth of July approached. It was clear at that point that the risk was far too great. The professional Independence Day fireworks in Park City were canceled as well.

The ban enacted by City Hall and the County Courthouse covered the Fourth of July, Pioneer Day and the rest of the summer. It is illegal to set off a firework, and the authorities could seek reimbursement for the firefighting costs if someone breaks the law and a fire starts.

People who want to enjoy professional fireworks have one chance to see them in Summit County during July. Kamas on Saturday will cap a demolition derby with a display as a part of the city’s Kamas Valley Fiesta Days.

Leave the fireworks to the professionals over the Pioneer Day holiday. The professionals in the firehouses will thank you.


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