SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah–As folks in Utah try to get back to normal after a year of COVID, another setback to normalcy. Many state and local leaders have urged Utahns to stay away from shooting off personal fireworks. But for some, it’s a tradition that’s hard to give up. In one Saratoga Springs neighborhood, about 40 families pooled their money and came together to celebrate the 4th of July with personal fireworks.

Mitch Faas says he’s been living and breathing fireworks for the last two months, working to make sure the show happens and most important, happens safely.

“My justification was, if we have 40 people who were going to do it anyways, all come together and have one central show and a lot more eyes on it and we can be a lot safer,” says Faas.

Faas spoke with the local fire chief, chose a spot that was legal to shoot off fireworks, and had extra safety measures in place, like fire extinguishers, buckets of water, hoses, and more.

He said he didn’t want to be the guy that burns the neighborhood down over 20 minutes of fun.

These neighbors know with extremely dry conditions this year, there’s still a risk but their extra caution and preparedness seemed to pay off. The neighborhood had a great show, and no fires.

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