Letter: Fireworks are an incredible risk, ban them

Waking up again to the pungent smell of smoke from yet another wildfire raging somewhere in our state, I can't help but wonder why an emergency ban on fireworks has not been enacted. TV anchor personalities were heard to plead for "responsible use" of them; I seriously question the oxymoron of that statement.

How can an incendiary device be used responsibly, especially if it leaves the ground and is at the mercy of the wind — of which we have had plenty this summer. One life has already been lost due to wildfires. Do we need more?

Homes and communities have been threatened, some destroyed. Nearly all the wildfires have been human caused this year, and now we add the use of fireworks to the mix. Fireworks are an incredible risk, especially this extremely hot, dry and windy year.

This is an open plea to the governor and Legislature to place an emergency ban on fireworks — the sale and use of them for the duration of this year. We should be willing to risk the wrath of retail and unhappy celebrants (and sales tax benefits to the state) by pursuing caution and safety for the residents of the great state of Utah.

Christine Kiefer

Salt Lake City