Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declares emergency, expands fireworks restrictions ahead of July Fourth

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order Thursday declaring a new state of emergency aimed at reducing wildfire risk during the upcoming July fireworks season.

The order temporarily expands the authority of the state forester, allowing fireworks to be prohibited within city and town boundaries when fire conditions are considered extremely hazardous. Previously, the state forester could only impose broader fireworks restrictions on state and unincorporated lands.

“Nothing about this decision was easy,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox in a statement. “Utahns love celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends and fireworks. I do too. But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before. This is a temporary measure for an extraordinary year. It protects lives and homes while allowing local leaders, working alongside their fire officials, to identify areas where fireworks can be used safely.”

According to the executive order, 94% of Utah remains in severe or extreme drought. So far this year, 354 wildfires have burned 141,743 acres, with human activity responsible for at least 75% of those fires.

The order immediately suspends a portion of state law that prevented the state forester from restricting fireworks within municipal boundaries during a state of emergency. State officials said the change is intended to give the forester the authority to take every measure necessary to help prevent wildfire disasters during the Independence Day holiday.

According to the executive order "Using the full scope of her authority under Utah Code § 65A-8-212, with Subsection 5 of that provision
suspended, the state forester shall issue an order or orders closing extremely
hazardous areas in the state to the discharge of fireworks"

Under the order, municipalities may still designate specific areas where fireworks will be allowed after coordinating with the state forester. Licensed public fireworks displays permitted by local governments are exempt from the restrictions.

The expanded authority will apply to the Independence Day fireworks period from July 2 through July 5. State officials will reevaluate fire conditions afterward to determine whether similar restrictions are needed for Utah's Pioneer Day fireworks period, July 22 through July 25.

The executive order took effect immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature.