Fire in Lambert Park
On July 15 a fire started at a traditional shooting area in the National Forest east of Lambert Park. The fire consumed 400 acres of National Forest and Lambert Park. Twenty-five homes were threatened and evacuated. The fire was contained by 80 ground crew, five helicopters, two single engine planes and one jet. Within a few days the danger to persons and property was past, but it will take years for the vegetation to regenerate!
Fire Prevention Guidelines
The following are some guidelines to follow in helping to prevent fires in our community.
• Pay attention to campfire restrictions. The summer holidays provide an opportunity for Utahns to explore the outdoors. In most campgrounds, campfires are been banned or severely restricted. Campers must take these restrictions seriously and understand that they are not an exception to the rules. No fires means NO fires.
• “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.” This saying is one all Utahns must remember when they light legal fires while recreating. It only takes one tiny spark to start a wildfire, so the fire and any embers must be completely out before abandoning a campsite.
• Use fireworks carefully and only in approved areas. Many cities outright ban fireworks for the summer holiday celebrations, and other cities may have bans in particular areas. Those restrictions should be followed by citizens and will be strictly enforced by police. During the 2017 Independence Day holiday, fire dispatchers received 70 phone calls about fireworks in Salt Lake County alone.
• Be prepared. If engaging in an activity that could lead to a wildfire (such as shooting guns or operating equipment), Utahns should have a fire extinguisher, water and a shovel ready to use just in case the worst should happen.
• For those who smoke, be sure to dispose of cigarettes properly. Just throwing used cigarettes out the window while driving, especially in a rural area, could lead to a wildfire.
• Say something. If someone is doing an activity that could lead to a wildfire, witnesses should not be afraid to confront the individual or contact authorities.
• Pay attention to campfire restrictions. The summer holidays provide an opportunity for Utahns to explore the outdoors. In most campgrounds, campfires are been banned or severely restricted. Campers must take these restrictions seriously and understand that they are not an exception to the rules. No fires means NO fires.
• “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.” This saying is one all Utahns must remember when they light legal fires while recreating. It only takes one tiny spark to start a wildfire, so the fire and any embers must be completely out before abandoning a campsite.
• Use fireworks carefully and only in approved areas. Many cities outright ban fireworks for the summer holiday celebrations, and other cities may have bans in particular areas. Those restrictions should be followed by citizens and will be strictly enforced by police. During the 2017 Independence Day holiday, fire dispatchers received 70 phone calls about fireworks in Salt Lake County alone.
• Be prepared. If engaging in an activity that could lead to a wildfire (such as shooting guns or operating equipment), Utahns should have a fire extinguisher, water and a shovel ready to use just in case the worst should happen.
• For those who smoke, be sure to dispose of cigarettes properly. Just throwing used cigarettes out the window while driving, especially in a rural area, could lead to a wildfire.
• Say something. If someone is doing an activity that could lead to a wildfire, witnesses should not be afraid to confront the individual or contact authorities.