Comments about ‘Evacuated residents of Saratoga Springs fire return home, but warned to be on alert if conditions change’

So someone should ask the Utah County planning commission how wise it really was to encourage the construction of two large towns out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by miles and miles of tinder dry fuel. The same question should be asked about Woodland Hills with its two roads in and out surrounded by thousands of acres of forest and oak brush all tinder dry and ready to sweep through the town when ignited. Why didn't the planning commission insist on Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, or Woodland Hills protective moats?

The proper question would be, "Why were there individuals discharging firearms where there was miles and miles of tinder? Why did they not bring fire control equipment incase something was to become ignited by the firearm discharge? And lastly, are these negligent individuals going to be held accoutable for their actions? They have severely affected the lives of the homeowners and affected everyyone between Provo to Ogden with the pollution caused by the fire.

@mcdugall,
Thanks for some common sense!

@rightascension,
Come on when are people going to look at the real problem and that is people and their decision making, let me guess you’re in favor of allowing people to shoot off fireworks around these wide open spaces, just because the laws says we can light them off.

People we should not have to be told that it is "VERY DRY" out there. Use some common sense and quit doing dumb stuff.

I can't wait for fire season to officially get underway.

After putting out the fire, the focus should be on prosecuting those responsible and letting them pay for the damage they caused and the costs the taxpayers are stuck with.

And...

The state legislature must pass an emergency ordinance prohibiting ANY activity that could cause a fire in dry areas. I love my guns, but, after we've already seen fires caused by target practice it is time to ban such a practice unless it is raining or snow is on the ground.

In the meantime, make the people pay who caused the damaged and maybe those who think they can do anything without paying the consequences will get the message.

Luckily all Utah really has to burn is sagebrush...I live in Montana..where we actually have very thick forests....and the trees fuel the fire big time.

Since gunfire keeps being the cause of wild fires, seems like it would be much more cost effective for the state to designate and clear an area(s) for firearms target practice, and require those wishing to shoot to use only those areas.