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Millcreek to Restrict Fireworks East of 900 East In the past week, we tied the record for the hottest day ever in our valley since records have been kept. We are in the midst of a historic drought and temperatures have risen to be significantly hotter than normal for this time of year. We have requested that folks limit watering due to the drought, contributing to even drier conditions in our yards and open spaces. All of this has lowered the humidity in vegetative fuels in our tree canopy, grasslands, and shrubs. These conditions present the potential for a conflagration here in the Salt Lake Valley, such as destroyed the Oregon towns of Phoenix and Talent. Winds fanning any potential fire easterly could also involve our tinder dry urban-interface with the foothills and mountains on our eastern boundary, with disastrous effects on our watershed. What might happen if we add unpredictable ignition sources to this tinder box? Based upon the exceptionally dry and hot conditions, and the dry state of the fuels in our city, our Fire Marshal has recommended that Millcreek consider further restriction of the discharge of fireworks this summer, from 900 East eastward. This is also the same restriction area Salt Lake City has designated. The Millcreek City Council is unanimous that this year, the health, safety, and general welfare of our community, which we are charged to protect, require an exceptional restriction of fireworks. The City Council will not officially act to impose this restriction until our meeting on June 26. However, we wanted to provide Millcreek residents notice of this action we are contemplating before the beginning of fireworks sales this year so that you can plan accordingly. Our new restrictions will be enforced by UFA firefighters and UPD officers working together, and fines for violating the restriction are substantial. We urge everyone to abide by the restriction and not discharge fireworks in Millcreek east of 900 East this summer. We all just made significant sacrifices during the pandemic to keep each other safe. I know how much we all want to get back to normal, and a big fireworks display on the 4th or 24th of July is a tradition for many of us. We ask you to think of your safety and that of your neighbors and our city once again. Please consider refraining from discharging fireworks this summer. The fire risk is simply too great this year. I know some will consider this restriction onerous. However, with the advice of firefighting professionals, we urge you to put safety first. Momentary fun with fireworks is not worth jeopardizing life or property in our city since conditions are so hazardous this year. Thank you for your cooperation. - Jeff Silvestrini June 16, 2021 Millcreek City Council Jeff Silvestrini, Mayor Silvia Catten, District 1 F. Dwight Marchant, District 2 Cheri Jackson, District 3 Bev Uipi, District 4 Millcreek City Hall 3330 South 1300 East Millcreek, Utah 84106 [PHONE REDACTED] millcreek.us