Avoid Your Neighbors Glaring Red Eyes; Have A Safe Independence Day

I get it. You're already tired of the “be safe with fireworks” blitzkrieg that is pounding us left and right. It's Independence Day, nearly, and all we want to do is get out, enjoy a day off (I really hear that) go to the parade, maybe have a water fight, do some grillin' and then fireworks. FIREWORKS! We wait all year for this time of year and we are ready to turn lose and party!

But, if we can pause for just a second and follow the council of Governor Spencer Cox to “don't be a jerk” (yes we have the clip of him saying that) we can have the Independence Day party we so much desire, while not causing mayhem with our selves or with our neighbors.

Greg Orloski, Deputy Fire Marshal with the Cedar City Fire Department was with us on the Wired Wednesday show this week and gave us some reminders on how to safely celebrate the holiday.

“If it goes up, it must come down, and usually it's on fire when it comes down,” Orloski told us. “If it's going to reach an area that's got maybe some pine straw, or dried out leaves on the roof, that's where you're going to have a fire.”

He also reminded us, “if you're going to (discharge fireworks) in your neighborhood, you are responsible for the outcome.” If that outcome is a fun show and everyone happy, well done. But if the outcome is your home or property, or more to the point, your neighbors home or property is burning, it could be a very costly price to pay.

Due to the moisture we received, Orloski told us, “everything is a little behind this year. What we see is an abundance of grasses in rural areas where maybe you haven't see anything growing in the past.” With the recent brush fire on the north side of Cedar City, the Deputy Fire Marshal said it's now “dry enough to have these fires. Combined with the wind, this is the most dangerous situation.”

He reminded us of the four “be's” of fireworks safety from the Utah State Fire Marshal's website.

Be Prepared

Not just for the Boy Scouts, when handling fireworks, store them out of the reach of children. Always read and follow label directions. Put pets inside, they are easily frightened by fireworks. Always have water handy (hose or bucket of water).

Be Responsible

Soak used fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water. Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly. Never re-light “dud” fireworks. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Be Safe

An adult should always light the fireworks. Keep matches and lighters away from children. Use fire works outdoors only. Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly. Keep children and pets away from fireworks. Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand.

Be Aware

Use only legal fireworks. Use fireworks only in legal places. Fireworks are prohibited on all state parks and state or federal forest lands.

Unless something unforeseen comes up, the Cedar City Fire Department provides a safe way for for community members to enjoy 4^th of July fireworks at the Cedar City Airport. The show begins at dark, usually about 10PM. One thing to keep in mind is that if fire personnel are being pulled away from that to attend to fires around town from personal firework discharge, they might have to cancel the community show for lack of safety personnel on scene.

The city has designated locations through out town. You can see a list of those recommended locations along with getting more fireworks information and tips at this link.

Orloski encouraged residents, “by all means, go enjoy our show at ten o'clock at the airport.”

You can listen to the Wired Wednesday show below.