Utah governor bans fireworks statewide ahead of Fourth of July amid drought
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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday imposed a temporary statewide restriction on fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, citing “historic” and “extraordinary” wildfire conditions across the state.
Cox, a Republican, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and temporarily suspending a state law that allows the state forester to ban fireworks within municipal limits between July 2 and July 5.
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, 94% of Utah is facing severe or extreme drought.
Gov. Spencer Cox said the order gives local leaders, working with fire chiefs, flexibility to determine where fireworks can be used safely. (@GovCox/X)
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The state has already seen 354 wildfires this season, scorching nearly 142,000 acres, with more than 75% of wildfires caused by humans.
While the order dampens some of the holiday excitement, it offers a potential compromise for residents who want to celebrate.
Local municipal leaders, working with fire chiefs, are given the authority to designate specific “safe areas” where fireworks will still be allowed.
Governor Cox shared a photo of the wildfire aftermath as he announced a statewide fireworks ban over the July 4th weekend. (@GovCox/X)
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If local leaders do not designate these areas, the state forestry closure will remain in full effect.
“Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox wrote in a statement, acknowledging that Utahns often like to celebrate with fireworks. “But this year is different. We’re seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.”
In a statement sent to X, Cox added: “Our goal is to ensure that our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5th.”
Governor Cox said more than 75 percent of wildfires in Utah are human-caused and the danger to life, homes and firefighters is “very high.” (@GovCox/X)
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Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that prolonged drought, critically dry vegetation and extreme weather conditions are causing fires to spread faster and behave in ways that “defy historical expectations.”
To deter preventable fires, the Utah Department of Public Safety is increasing patrols in high-risk areas, and officials warn that starting an illegal wildfire could lead to serious criminal and civil consequences.
Governor Cox shared loving photos with Utah firefighters as he announced a July 4th fireworks ban due to wildfires. (@GovCox/X)
State officials plan to reassess the wildfire danger after the Independence Day weekend to determine whether similar restrictions will be necessary for the state’s Pioneer Day holiday, which runs from July 22 to July 25.
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Residents are asked to check local restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts and report suspicious activity immediately.
Cox’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
