Utah’s governor has banned fireworks statewide before the Fourth of July amid the drought
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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday issued a temporary, nationwide ban on fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, citing “historic” and “unusual” wildfire conditions across the country.
Cox, a Republican, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, temporarily suspending state law to allow the forester to ban the release of explosives within municipal boundaries between July 2 and July 5.
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, 94% of Utah is experiencing severe or extreme drought.
Gov. Spencer Cox said the order gives local leaders, working with their fire chiefs, the flexibility to determine when fireworks can be used safely. (@GovCox/X)
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The state has already seen 354 wildfires burn nearly 142,000 hectares this season, with more than 75% of wildfires caused by humans.
While the mandate dampens the excitement of the holidays, it provides a possible compromise for residents who want to celebrate.
Local municipal leaders, working with their fire chiefs, have been given the authority to designate certain “safe zones” where fireworks will still be allowed.
Gov. Cox shared a photo of the wildfire’s aftermath while announcing a nationwide fireworks ban over the Fourth of July weekend. (@GovCox/X)
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If local leaders do not designate these areas, the state forester’s closure is still in full effect.
“Nothing was easy about this decision,” Cox wrote in a statement, acknowledging that Utahns often enjoy celebrating with pyrotechnics. “But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even seasoned firefighters say they have never seen before.”
In a statement sent to X, Cox added, “Our goal is to ensure that our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5.”
Gov. Cox said more than 75% of Utah’s wildfires are human-caused, and the risk to lives, homes and firefighters is “extremely high.” (@GovCox/X)
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Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that prolonged drought, extremely dry vegetation and extreme weather conditions are causing the flames to spread quickly and behave in ways “contrary to historical expectations.”
To prevent preventable fires, the Utah Department of Public Safety is increasing patrols in high-risk areas, and officials warn that illegal wildfires can lead to significant criminal and civil consequences.
Gov. Cox shared romantic photos with Utah firefighters while announcing a Fourth of July 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 required for the Pioneer Day holiday from July 22 to July 25.
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Residents are urged to check local restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Cox’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
