As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, fire officials are urging residents to use common sense and legal fireworks in their celebrations.

Provo fire battalion chief Lynn Schofield said his crews will be out in force this weekend, citing revellers who choose to use illegal fireworks. If residents are using fireworks from Wyoming or other regions with less strict laws, they are likely to trade in their fireworks for a class B misdemeanor.

"We would like people to not use illegal fireworks," he said. "We are aggressively enforcing that this year."

Schofield also stressed the need for safe handling when using fireworks. Residents are encouraged to keep water on hand to extinguish used fireworks and follow any recommendations on the package. Any fireworks should also be set off at least 20 feet from anything combustible.

"Even though fireworks are really fun to watch, they are, in fact, fire," he said. Parents should be especially vigilant with their children around fireworks.

Schofield said the popular sparklers can be very dangerous and the tip is hot enough to melt gold.

"No. 1, adult supervision," Schofield said. "No. 2, adult supervision."

Although the recent damp weather may create the illusion of a safer environment for fireworks, Schofield said it may actually be worse. The prolonged rain helped to grow more vegetation, which now provides more fuel as the long grass dries out.

Residents in Utah County are generally good with their celebrations, and few problems arise as a result, he said. However, there can be serious consequences if illegal usage results in a fire.

"Last year, the fire on Y Mountain was the result of an illegal firework in a restricted area," Schofield said.

Anyone who starts a fire in the course of an illegal act will likely be charged and held responsible for the money spent to fight the fire. A map of restricted areas in Provo can be found at www.provo.org or at any stand selling fireworks. Parks are also off limits, but the city has designated areas within Sertoma Park, Exchange Park, Fort Utah Park and Footprinter¹s Park for fireworks use.

Orem fire marshal Bret Larsen said no areas in Orem will be restricted this year because the city is not close enough to any mountains. Larsen encouraged residents to have group celebrations in their neighborhood. It is a cheaper and safer way to watch fireworks than each family buying their own. Larsen also said to avoid homemade or altered fireworks.

"Do not misuse fireworks," he said. "No fireworks in Utah are meant to go airborne."

One of the biggest problems residents can encounter is not fully extinguishing their fireworks, Larsen said. Fireworks should be soaked in water before they are thrown away, and the trash can should not be kept near the house.

"They think they¹re being careful, do everything right, then they throw the hot fireworks in the garbage can and light the house on fire," he said.

The county has also declined to put any restrictions in place, except for in the canyons. County fire marshal Dennis Barker said there have not been many fires this year, and residents have been careful. Fireworks usage on the Fourth of July will determine if any restrictions are added for the 24th of July holiday.

"If they use their head, then the 24th will be just like the Fourth," he said.

Firework Safety Tips

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

-- Information from the American Red Cross