Tooele firefighters worry about ‘unstable’ conditions as fireworks sales begin in Utah

TOOELE – As July 4th fireworks sales begin Monday, firefighters grapple with dangerous conditions in the Western Desert.

Tooele County Firefighter Dan Walton said firefighters visited Stansbury Island three times in three weeks to extinguish fires sparked by target shooting.

He said firefighters on Monday extinguished the fire, which started on Sunday due to a target explosion that burned 45 acres. The other two fires involved steel ammunition or a steel target, causing immediate sparks and igniting objects.

According to Walton, approximately 145 acres have burned in these Western Desert fires over the past few weeks.

“We had a group of people shooting recreationally here. They decided to use tannerite and tannerite as an explosive target,” he said.

The second concern for Walton and fire crews now is fireworks, and each year they respond to several calls to the fire department for fireworks in the Western Desert.

“We advise everyone to exercise extreme caution not only around fireworks, but to take all standard safety precautions,” said Kevin Nunn, fire chief for the North Tooele Fire District.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are already in effect in southern Utah

As with many accidental fires, those responsible for Sunday’s blaze could face fines and restitution costs.

“BLM takes this very seriously. This is everyone’s public land and we want to protect it for generations to come,” said Michael Tateishi, a fire and intrusion mitigation technician with the Bureau of Land Management.

On June 11, the BLM implemented restrictions on steel and explosive targets in the Tooele County desert due to the risk of wildfires.

Both groups worry that populated areas will be affected by a fire that could have been prevented. They are asking Utahns to be aware of current restrictions and check them online before traveling.

“We are doing everything we can to educate the public,” Walton said. “Things like issuing fire restraining orders to help educate the public on how dangerous it actually is.”

The ranger said current fire restrictions will likely change before July 4 and asked everyone to visit the Tooele County Fire Department website before leaving. BLM will allow fireworks on the Salt Flats on July 4 from Frontage Road.