The Fourth of July holiday weekend crept up on many Utahns in a cool and rainy guise this year. It just doesn't seem like July.

But fireworks will be exploded, regardless of the weather, in parks, home driveways, streets and stadiums, and too often illegally in forests and foothills (see restricted areas at www.slcgov.com/fire).

And while the danger of wildfires has been temporarily dampened by the sporadic rainstorms that seem to just keep coming, the wildfire season has just begun. Dry, hot weather is sure to return once Mother Nature turns off the tap.

By July 24, another popular day for home fireworks, the danger of wildfires could be enflamed by a combination of hot weather and some of the tallest grass and most abundant weed cover in recent memory, fed by the rains of spring and early summer. The first fireworks-caused blaze burned three acres in Cottonwood Heights Tuesday.

Home fireworks, and especially sparklers, can do just as much damage to the human body on a cool, cloudy day as a hot one. So, don't be fooled. It is July.

We believe consumer fireworks should be banned, but while they are legal, we hope those who decide to light them at home will take precautions.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 16 percent of all consumer f ireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, mostly of young

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children. The agency offers these guidelines:

» Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers.

» Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

» Drop spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.

» Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.

» Teach children to hold sparklers away from their bodies and not to wave sparklers or run while holding them.

» Always have water handy (a hose or bucket) and only use fireworks as intended.

» Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

» Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

But no matter how cautious you are, the only safe way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display, where trained pyrotechnicians control the show. We reiterate our call for the Utah Legislature to outlaw the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Now that would be using common sense.