FAQs • Draper City, UT • CivicEngage

What do I do when my neighbors are burning something they shouldn’t?

Remember that recreational fires are allowed, within strict guidelines (see above). “Offensive, Objectionable, or Nuisance” fires are not required to be extinguished unless the fire is causing a hazardous situation. If all burning requirements are met and the fire is not causing a hazardous situation, the fire department does not have the authority to extinguish the fire.

However, if the fire is non-recreational and is against code, i.e. burning of clean yard waste, grass clippings, weeds, tree trimmings, leaves and other material, then it is not allowed in Salt Lake County or in Draper City. Please report this type of burning to Draper Fire by calling 801-576-6500 or by calling 911.

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Fire Marshal FAQ - Residents

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1. May I have a fire pit or other recreational fire at my residence?

The fire code allows residents to have small recreational fires at their residences. The “fuel area” (fire pit) may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height. Burning is limited to dry, clean, natural materials; no garbage, plastics, rubber, oils, or construction waste.

First verify that it is a “green” burn day by checking the air quality forecast by going to air.utah.gov, or by downloading the UtahAir app from the Android or iOS store.

Keep open fires 25 feet away from structures or combustible materials. Fires contained in improved barbecue pits or portable outdoor fireplaces require a minimum of 15 feet of clearance. LP or natural gas fire pits or grills require 10 feet of clearance.

Have a method of extinguishment readily available. Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

Fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished.

“Offensive, Objectionable, or Nuisance” fires are no longer required to be extinguished unless the fire is causing a hazardous situation. If all burning requirements are met and the fire is not causing a hazardous situation, the fire department does not have the authority to extinguish the fire.

2. When can I burn a fire in my fireplace?

Air.Utah.gov has some great online resources for knowing when it’s safe to burn, and when it will negatively impact the air we breathe. Check out https://air.utah.gov/ for hourly updates on air quality and the resultant permissions or restrictions on burning wood in your fireplace or woodstove, or burning for any purpose.

There’s also an app for that: You may download the UtahAir app from the Android or iOS store.

3. Is leaf burning allowed in residential areas?

Residential burning of clean yard waste, grass clippings, weeds, tree trimmings, and other material is not allowed in Salt Lake County or in Draper City.

Draper City is unique in that it straddles the border between Salt Lake and Utah counties, with parts of our fair town falling into each county’s jurisdiction. Since more of Draper’s acreage is in Salt Lake County than Utah County, we defer to Salt Lake County’s guidelines for burn and other prohibitions.

4. Do I need a permit to burn leaves?: The burning of leaves is considered open burning, which falls under the same requirements as burning of clean yard waste, grass clippings, weeds, tree trimmings, and other material. It is not allowed in Salt Lake County or in Draper City.

5. What do I do when my neighbors are burning something they shouldn’t?

6. My neighbors have a lot of junk piled up around their residence. I’m worried this is a fire hazard. What can I do?

This type of violation falls under the jurisdiction of our city code enforcement division. A Code Enforcement Complaint covers signs, weeds, and trash. To report a code violation, please use one of the following online forms:

7. Do you change smoke detector batteries?

If your detectors are older than 10 years then you should change their batteries every 6 months. A great tutorial on how to do that can be found here, or you may search online for other resources related to your specific device.

If you have a smoke detector manufactured after 2010, then those batteries are built to last for a decade. Once the 10 years is up, you should replace the entire detector. You can easily search online for videos and instructions for your specific device, like the Kidde Sealed Lithium Battery Power Smoke Alarm i9010 here. Make sure to search for your specific device and model number and follow the instructions provided.

Draper Fire is here to serve the community in every way possible, but our first and foremost priority is having enough staff on call at all times to handle fire-related crises and emergencies that can arise in an instant. Most smoke detector battery changing situations are straightforward enough for a resident to handle on their own. However, if you have special needs, or your residence has special circumstances, that prevent you from being able to take care of this important matter yourself, we are happy to assist whenever organization and community needs allow. Please call 385-557-2805 for further assistance.

8. How do I refill my fire extinguisher?

Although some extinguishers can be recharged, this is dangerous without the right training. Hire a trained professional to make sure your extinguisher is safe and gets recharged with the correct chemical extinguishing agent. If the extinguisher has a metal head and metal neck it is refillable by a Utah State Certified Fire Extinguisher Company. If it has a plastic head it is not refillable, and you should purchase a new one.

Check your favorite search engine for Utah State Certified Fire Extinguisher Companies. A single recharge typically costs between $15 and $25. Depending on the size and original cost of your extinguisher, a recharge may be more budget-friendly than buying a new extinguisher.

9. What public education programs do you offer?: We offer many public education programs, including First Aid Training (CPR/AED Classes, Push To Survive, Basic First Aid). We also offer Fire Extinguisher Classes and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

10. I’m concerned about a youth in my life with a particular affinity for fire. What should I do?: There are many reasons children may experiment with fire, and they are all of concern to those in the fire service. Often children (as well as adults) are unable to make proper choices to remain safe around fire. If a child you care about has played with matches, lighters, fireworks, candles, has set a fire or has shown a curiosity of fire that worries you, please contact us about our Youth Firesetter Intervention Program. You can reach out to our Fire Prevention Office at 385-557-2806 and be put in touch with our Youth Firesetter Coordinator.

11. May I fly Chinese Lanterns in Draper?: Chinese Lanterns, also known as Khoom Fay, Paper Lanterns, or Sky Lanterns, are floating lanterns made from flammable materials that are lit like candles. They emit a stunning glow, stay lit for up to 20 minutes, and can travel several miles. While beautiful and exciting, these lanterns create an extreme fire hazard and are prohibited in any part of Draper City. View the Chinese Lantern Information Sheet here.

12. May I have a tethered Chinese Lantern instead of flying them?: Tethered Chinese Lanterns are also prohibited in any part of Draper City. Though they remain in one spot, the fire hazard they create in our beautiful foothills is real and dangerous.

13. Are fireworks allowed anywhere in Draper?

To protect lives and property, the use of fireworks in prohibited areas will be strictly enforced. In general, fireworks are NOT allowed south of 138th South, east of 1300 East and west of I-15. Fireworks are NOT allowed in the Suncrest area. Fireworks are NOT allowed in all Draper City Parks per City Code Section 15-1-050 (g): “Possession and Use of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons, or Fireworks. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or discharge any firearm or explosive of any kind including fireworks at a recreation facility excepting law enforcement officers and those who are allowed by state code or have received written consent to do so from the Manager.”

Sparklers are allowed in all areas of Draper, however residents are asked to use precaution in dry, grassy areas. Always have a bucket of water nearby to douse the hot sparklers.

Fireworks Map

14. When can I set off fireworks this year?

Residents in non-prohibited areas may discharge fireworks between the hours of 11 am and 11 pm except as noted. Please visit our Fireworks/Fire Prevention page for information on current restrictions.

July 2 – July 5 (July 4 hours extended to midnight)

July 22 – 25 (July 24 hours extended to midnight)

December 31* (11 am – 1 am January 1)

Chinese New Year’s Eve (11 am – 1 am the following day)

*If New Year’s Eve is on a Sunday and the local governmental jurisdiction determines to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the prior Saturday (Dec 30), then it is lawful to discharge Class C common state-approved explosives on that prior Saturday.

Please note: Class C fireworks are not allowed during Draper Days events in July. (Draper Days did not take place in 2020 due to COVID-19.)

To protect lives and property, the use of fireworks in prohibited areas will be strictly enforced.