Gov. Cox restores local fireworks control, but Wasatch Back restrictions remain

Heber City and others in Wasatch County are continuing the fireworks ban from July 4 into Pioneer Day. Photo: TownLift // Heather Bergeson

PARK CITY, Utah — Gov. Spencer Cox announced Monday that Utah is easing its statewide approach to Pioneer Day fireworks restrictions, returning primary authority over where fireworks can be used to individual municipalities as wildfire conditions improve across parts of the state.

The change comes after recent storms brought moisture to many areas of Utah, though officials cautioned that dangerous fire conditions persist in some communities.

Under the updated guidance, cities will once again rely on their preexisting fireworks restriction maps to determine where fireworks are allowed within city limits. Municipalities facing elevated wildfire risk may still work with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to request additional restrictions if conditions warrant.

The executive order Cox issued last month remains in effect, allowing the state forester to impose additional restrictions if wildfire conditions change.

“We were hopeful conditions would improve enough to safely return more decisions to our local communities, and in many parts of Utah, that’s exactly what’s happened,” Cox said in a statement. “Recent storms have brought meaningful relief to many areas of the state. At the same time, other communities remain at serious risk.”

Cox emphasized that the updated guidance should not be interpreted as the end of wildfire season.

“We are still asking Utahns to use good judgment,” he said. “If you live in an area that remains dry or windy, consider skipping fireworks altogether or attending a community fireworks show instead. Our firefighters have carried an incredible burden this summer, and every preventable fire matters.”

What it means for Wasatch County

While Gov. Spencer Cox has returned primary authority over fireworks restrictions to municipalities, several local communities are opting for stricter measures because of continued wildfire danger.

Heber City announced Tuesday that it is implementing a citywide fireworks ban from July 22 through July 25, citing ongoing dry conditions, extreme wildfire risk, and recent fire activity in Wasatch County, including the Buck Basin and Meeks Fires. City officials said public safety remains the top priority and thanked residents for helping reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

The wildfire danger has also affected local celebrations. Wasatch County Fair Days organizers announced that all fireworks have been canceled for this year’s event, including the shows traditionally held after the demolition derby and rodeo. Organizers said the decision was made in consultation with the fire department and in accordance with the local fire ban.

Rather than its typical fireworks display, the town of Charleston in Wasatch County will hold a laser light show.

Summit County upholds fire restrictions

In Summit County, Park City continues its longstanding prohibition on consumer fireworks citywide because of its proximity to wildland areas.

Summit County is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which means that all fireworks are prohibited. This applies to all public and private land within Summit County, including within city boundaries.

Outside incorporated cities, fireworks remain prohibited on state-owned and unincorporated lands, as well as on all federal lands, including the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.