Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and state fire officials on Monday asked Utahns to celebrate Pioneer Day the old-fashioned way — by not lighting fireworks.

"I've flown from the top to the bottom of the state and seen all eight fires," Huntsman said. "I would be derelict in my duty as governor if I did not point out the fragility of our state."

High temperatures, low humidity and wind have combined to create unprecedented fire danger this summer. Recent changes in the weather have helped, but have not been enough to reduce the level of danger.

"I can tell you, I haven't seen a fire season like this since 1988 or longer," said Don Berry, fire chief for the Unified Fire Authority.

A 70-acre burn area above Hidden Valley Park, started by illegal fireworks July 4, served as a backdrop for the governor and state officials as they asked Utahns to save their fireworks for a later date when the extreme conditions no longer exist.

Huntsman said he randomly chose Dec. 31 to possibly serve as a better date to celebrate Pioneer Day with fireworks this year.

One big difference between the danger in 1988 and now, Berry said, is the development of so many high-value homes and people in and around the canyons and wild areas. According to Berry, back in 1988, most of these areas were covered by brush. Now, the potential for loss of life and property is much greater.

Currently, eight wildfires are burning around the state, leaving fire departments with fewer resources to respond to urban fires.

For those who decide to abide by the governor's request, Utah Fire Marshal Ron Morris had some advice Monday.

"You can safely store fireworks in a dry and secure place to use next year," Morris said. "If you have illegal fireworks you want to get rid of, you can drop them off at any fire or police station. Or if you're not comfortable doing that, you can soak the fireworks in water overnight, break them apart and then throw them out."

Most of the 48 confirmed fires caused by fireworks last year were caused by unsupervised youth using illegal fireworks, officials said.

Police will be out cruising vulnerable neighborhoods and looking for illegal fireworks, said Steve Foote, president of the Utah Fire Chiefs Association.

"If they see them, they will confiscate them and possibly press charges," Foote said. "Take a break this year and find other ways to celebrate Pioneer Day. Our firefighters are exhausted."

Washington County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Monday morning and passed an ordinance prohibiting fireworks in all unincorporated areas of Washington County. They warned they will take a "zero-tolerance" approach to violations.

Residents should check for local bans in their area and use common sense if they choose to use legal fireworks this year.

"Just play it safe," Berry pleaded. "There's so much at stake."

---

E-mail: dramsay@desnews.com