Utah Bans July 4 Fireworks Statewide as 94% of State Faces Severe or Extreme Drought
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 25
Utah Bans July 4 Fireworks Statewide as 94% of State Faces Severe or Extreme Drought
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 25
Summary
Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency and temporarily suspended state law, letting the state forester ban fireworks within municipal boundaries from July 2 to July 5.
Historic fire danger drove the order: Utah has logged 354 wildfires that burned nearly 142,000 acres this season, and more than 75% were caused by humans.
Local leaders and fire chiefs can still designate specific safe areas for fireworks; without those zones, the forester's closure stays fully in effect.
Utah is ramping up patrols in high-risk areas and warning that illegal wildfire starts can bring criminal and civil penalties.
Officials will reassess conditions after the holiday to decide whether similar restrictions are needed for Pioneer Day celebrations on July 22-25.