It is a lot of fun to put on firework displays for family and friends. It also comes with a responsibility to be safe above and beyond what is expected. Recent events are a reminder for the public to take the extra precautions. Luckily, the first incident did not cause any damage as fire crews and officers received a call from dispatch for a garbage can that was on fire in front of True Value. The other incident started about 12:30am on Saturday, July 26th. According to Jeremy Raymond, Uintah County Fire Marshal, the “Vernal City/Uintah County Fire Department received a call for a garage on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene, found heavy smoke and flames coming from [the] garage. Heavy smoke was also traveling through the attic space in the house. Crews began cooling an
adjacent home and extinguishing the garage. Vernal City/ Uintah County Fire department had the fire controlled within 40 minutes. They remained on scene throughout the night looking for fire extension in the attic space. There was no report of injuries. The family and pets were able to get out safely. There was approximately $90,000 dollars worth of property lost.” Both incidents involved discarded fireworks. Always let your fireworks soak in water for an hour before throwing them away!
