UPDATE: Mayor’s emergency order bans all fireworks in Heber City

Heber City town hall. Photo: Heber City

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — There will be remarkably fewer “bombs bursting in air” as a statewide fireworks ban takes effect in the Wasatch Back through the Fourth of July.

At an special city council meeting to determine fireworks restrictions following the state forester’s state-wide fireworks ban, Heber city councilors voted to allow personal fireworks at six parks throughout the city. The resolution also included a complete ban on aerial fireworks and $1,000 fines for lawbreakers.

But the next day, Heber Mayor Heidi Franco issued an Emergency Order banning the use of all fireworks within Heber City, effective June 26. The announcement said the mayor collaborated with Chief Hales of the Wasatch County Fire District on the ban and cited other bans in cities across the Wasatch Back.

“Wasatch County already had ‘Red Flag’ Warnings this year,” Franco said. “The recent rain is not enough. There are stiff fines for using fireworks with this ban. Let’s keep each other safe. Let’s not make our City’s situation worse.”

At Thursday’s meeting, Heber Councilmember Yvonne Barney encouraged the public to help monitor neighborhoods and report lawbreakers. “Don’t be afraid to turn your neighbor in if you see that they’re doing something,” Barney said. “It’s for the safety of yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighborhood.”

Mayor Franco also encouraged all to watch out for fires, smoke, or injuries and report them immediately to 911.

On Thursday, Midway announced their planned America250 fireworks show has been canceled due to wildfire concerns.

The Oakley Rodeo still plans to hold nightly fireworks shows.

In neighboring Summit County, fireworks are banned in all municipalities and unincorporated, state, and federal lands.