By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Nephi has a new ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fireworks on the east side of Interstate 15. Justin Seely, acting as mayor pro tempore in the absence of Mark Jones, was authorized to sign the ordinance so that it could become effective immediately. “We pass a new ordinance concerning fireworks every year,” said Larry Ostler, council member. “Could we make an ordinance that would be permanent?” Seth Atkinson, city administrator, said it is probably better to pass a new ordinance every year so that it is called to the attention of the public annually. That way, the public is aware that there is an ordinance Nephi City Council has authority to pass ordinances to govern the affairs of the city which is granted under Utah Code Annotated. Atkinson said that the fire chief is concerned that with hot weather and dry foliage, the city is in danger of a fire being caused accidentally that could create a wildfire which could, in turn, threaten homes and structures. As everyone who watches the news knows, man-caused wildfires are already burning in the state, he said. Fireworks cause a substantial number of fires in Utah on an annual basis. Nephi City Council has authority to regulate and prohibit the discharge of fireworks and the council finds that an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fireworks on the east side of Interstate 15 is in the best interest of the city and its citizens. Nephi City Council finds that limitations on the use of fireworks are warranted to reduce the potential for damaging and costly forest and range fires. The ordinance was adopted and reads as follows: “The city hereby prohibits and makes it illegal to discharge any fireworks within Nephi City on the east side of lnterstate 15 and on property owned by Nephi City on the east side of Interstate 15. “The effective date of this ordinance is the date on which it is published, June 28, 2017. This ordinance will sunset (expire) on December 15, 2017.” In 2005, Utah identified almost 600 communities and their surrounding natural resources as “at risk” from wildland fire. One of those communities is Nephi. Eureka, Levan-East Bench, Mammoth, Mona-Willow/Mendenhall, Nephi-East Bench, Nephi-West Bench/Dog Valley, Rocky Ridge, Sevier River Estate, Tintic Junction and the West Desert are all identified as at risk. In Utah, the typical wildfire season runs from June to September and 50 percent of the wildfires in the state are caused by humans. Even when shooting fireworks in the part of the city where they are allowed, residents should have the water source there during the firework shoots. Experts advise soaking used fireworks in water. Another option is to have a five gallon bucket ready as fireworks are being set off, then throw the fireworks into the water after 20 minutes. Fireworks should be soaked overnight and should be kept away from buildings. Finally, once the fireworks have been tossed, keep the trash can away from all structures, especially the home and garage. Breaking of the ordinance can lead to a fine.h4> | 