Utah Gov. Spencer Cox bans July 4th fireworks over historic wildfire conditions across state

Utah Gov.Spencer Cox on Thursday issued a temporary, statewide restriction on fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, citing “historic” and “extraordinary” wildfire conditions across the state.Cox, a Republican, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, temporarily suspending state law to allow the state forester to ban the discharge of fireworks within municipal boundaries between July 2 and July 5.As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, 94 percent of Utah is facing severe or extreme drought.The state has already seen 354 wildfires scorch nearly 142,000 acres this season, with more than 75 percent of the wildfires having been caused by humans.While the mandate snuffs out some of the holiday excitement, it offers a potential compromise for residents wanting to celebrate. Local municipal leaders, working alongside their fire chiefs, are granted the authority to designate specific “safe areas” where fireworks will still be permitted.If local leaders do not designate these areas, the state forester’s closure remains in full effect.“Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox wrote in a statement, acknowledging that Utahns typically enjoy celebrating with pyrotechnics.

“But this year is different.We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.” Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.In a statement posted to X, Cox added, “Our goal is to make sure our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5.”Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that prolonged drought, critically dry vegetation and extreme weather are causing blazes to spread faster and behave in ways that “defy historical expectations.”To deter preventable fires, the Ut...