Fireworks ban reshapes Wasatch Back Fourth as Heber limits celebrations, Midway cancels show

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, 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.

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

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

The move comes after Governor Spencer Cox issued a state of emergency that allowed a complete fireworks ban throughout Utah, though cities and municipalities have the option to designated safe areas where residents can gather to light fireworks.

Residents will be allowed to light and enjoy fireworks in Heber City at Southfield Park, Veterans Park, Eagle Park, Wasatch Vista Park, Mill Road Estates Park and Private Kay Pete Murdock Jones Park. Fireworks at the parks will only be allowed on the Fourth of July and not surrounding days.

These six parks in Heber are proving to be the only places in Wasatch County where fireworks will be allowed.

At the meeting, 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.”