Utah Governor Spencer Cox has imposed a temporary statewide restriction on personal fireworks, citing wildfire risk and severe drought as the driving factors.
The measure stems from Executive Order 2026‑04, which declares a state of emergency and expands the authority of the Utah State Forester to prohibit fireworks.
The restriction will be in effect from July 2 through July 5, encompassing the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Municipal leaders may designate specific “safe areas” where fireworks can still be used; if no safe areas are identified, the full state‑wide ban applies.
Under the order, a portion of state law that previously limited the forester’s power within city limits is temporarily suspended.
In addition to the ban, authorities will increase patrols in high‑risk areas, and violations may result in criminal and civil penalties.
Governor Cox highlighted the importance of listening to firefighters, noting that more than 75% of wildfires are human‑caused and the danger to lives and homes is too high.
He explained that the order allows local leaders to identify safe zones while ensuring communities remain protected on July 5.
Conditions will be monitored closely in the days leading up to the holiday.
The decision arrives as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
