Governor's Declaration: Fire Emergency Declaration

Issued: July 17, 2007

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DECLARATION

FIRE EMERGENCY DECLARATION

Whereas, the danger from wildland fires is extremely high throughout the State of Utah;

Whereas, fireworks increase the risk of a wildland fire;

Whereas, the public is able to attend and enjoy professional fireworks displays in their communities;

Whereas, many of Utah's cities and counties have urban wildland interface areas that are more susceptible to the dangers of wildland fires;

Whereas, many private residences, public and private infrastructure, critical watershed, and grazing and wildlife habitat are located in the urban wildland interface areas;

Whereas, numerous wildland fires are burning and continue to burn in various areas statewide and present a serious threat to public safety, property, natural resources and the environment;

Whereas, wildland fires are very costly to federal, state, and local governments as well as private citizens; and,

Whereas, immediate action is required to suppress the fires and mitigate post-burn flash floods to protect public safety, property, natural resources and the environment;

Now, Therefore, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah, on this 17th day of July, 2007, do hereby call for the fire restrictions, including fireworks, implemented statewide by the State Forester continue in effect on state lands, unincorporated lands, and federal lands in conjunction with federal agencies; and,

Additionally, I request that local elected officials ban private fireworks in their jurisdictions.

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
Governor

 

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