Utah residents will face new limits on Fourth of July fireworks after Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency in response to worsening wildfire conditions across the state.
According to Fox News, the executive order, signed Thursday, temporarily suspends portions of state law and allows Utah’s state forester to prohibit fireworks within city and town boundaries from July 2 through July 5.
The emergency action comes as nearly the entire state continues to struggle with severe drought. State officials say 94% of Utah is experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
Wildfire activity has already taken a heavy toll this year.
According to state officials, 354 wildfires have burned nearly 142,000 acres across Utah this season. More than three-quarters of those fires were caused by human activity, increasing concerns ahead of one of the busiest fireworks holidays of the year.
Rather than impose a complete statewide ban, the order gives local governments some flexibility.
City and town leaders, working with local fire chiefs, may designate specific areas where fireworks can still be used safely. Communities that do not establish approved locations will remain subject to the statewide Restrictions.
Cox acknowledged that the decision would disappoint many Utahns who traditionally celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.
“Nothing about this decision was easy,” the governor said in a statement. “But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.”
Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that dry vegetation, prolonged drought, and extreme weather have created unusually dangerous conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly and behave unpredictably.
State officials are also increasing law enforcement patrols in high-risk areas during the holiday period. Authorities warned that anyone responsible for starting an illegal wildfire could face both criminal charges and civil penalties.
The Restrictions currently apply only to the Independence Day holiday, though officials plan to reassess conditions afterward. If wildfire risks remain elevated, similar measures could be considered for Utah’s Pioneer Day celebrations later in July.
Officials are encouraging residents to monitor local Restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts and report suspicious activity that could increase wildfire risks.