- Gov. Spencer Cox announced a statewide fireworks ban due to historic wildfire conditions.
- Utah wildfires have burned over 100,000 acres, with human causes prevalent.
- Officials urge attending professional shows over personal fireworks to prevent fires.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced temporary statewide fireworks restrictions following a week of wildfires burning more than 100,000 acres across the state.
The governor on Thursday issued an executive order banning the use of personal fireworks throughout Utah, but it does allow towns and cities to designate legal areas of their choosing. It applies only to the three-day window during which fireworks can be used in Utah between July 2 and July 5 for Independence Day.
"I love fireworks, guys, more than just about anything. I turn into a kid again every Fourth of July and (Pioneer Day). ... I want people to be able to celebrate, and fireworks are part of that celebration — but this year we have to respond to the reality that is with us, not the one that we wish we had," he said, standing near the Bonneville Fire burn scar.
The order doesn't affect how fireworks are used in Utah now. While they are now on sale, the state only allows certain windows during which they can be lit: between July 2 and July 5 for Independence Day, and between July 22 and July 25 for Pioneer Day.
Under the order, cities and towns can decide whether fireworks can be used during that first window, but they can also designate areas where they are permitted after consulting with local firefighters. It essentially gives them more power to crack down on fireworks near prone areas.
An exact draft of the rule is expected to be completed by the end of the week, said Jamie Barnes, director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and the state forester. A similar order could be issued for the Pioneer Day fireworks window, depending on what the conditions ahead of the holiday.
"We think this strikes the right balance," Cox said. "The default will be no fireworks, but every mayor with every fire warden in the state can decide where fireworks are OK. I hope every city will designate a spot where people can come and light off their fireworks and do so safely. ... Blowing stuff up is what makes America so great."
Some cities are already planning to stick with the default order. Provo and Salt Lake City officials said they plan to have a complete ban on personal fireworks. That does not include permitted events, such as the Stadium of Fire in Provo.
Others are still debating it. Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, who attended Thursday's event, said the Sandy City Council would make the final decision.
Barnes encouraged Utahns to avoid launching their own fireworks and instead travel to professional shows hosted at various parks across the state on national and state holidays.
"We are concerned with where we are, and if we don't see a change, we are going to be headed in the wrong direction," she said.
Wildfires across Utah have already burned more than 141,000 acres this year, as compared to 13,300 acres on June 17. Approximately three-quarters of the state's 2026 fires were originally caused by human activity. Cox said fireworks are believed to be the cause of the Iron Fire, which led to a massive evacuation of Eureka that was lifted Thursday morning.
State and federal agencies have likely already spent over $20 million on fire suppression costs so far this season, but the numbers are "very fluid," Barnes said.
Utah is planning to hold people responsible for suppression costs if they cause a fire through fireworks or other careless activities on public lands, said Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason.
Cox met with legislators about the order on Wednesday, but he doesn't anticipate a special legislative session on wildfires at this time. He said not every lawmaker supported Thursday's order, but he stuck with it after meeting with firefighters.
"When people who have dedicated their lives to protecting Utah tell us this year is different, we desperately need to listen," he said. "Today isn't about politics, it's about protecting lives, protecting homes and communities during one of the most dangerous fire seasons that our state has ever faced."
