Utah Governor Returns Fireworks Decisions to Cities for Pioneer Day

Overview

• Governor Spencer Cox said he will replace the prior statewide Fourth of July default ban with an emergency 'hybrid' order that gives city and municipal leaders authority to permit or restrict personal fireworks for Pioneer Day.
• Under the hybrid policy some cities may ban personal fireworks while others may allow them, with municipalities responsible for issuing local permits and enforcement decisions.
• Officials cited recent monsoon storms that brought meaningful rain to parts of Utah but left many areas dry, producing sharp differences in local fire risk.
• The U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 95% of Utah in severe or worse drought and extreme drought in parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties, and state officials continue to warn residents to be extra cautious where fireworks are allowed.
• State leaders say the full text of the Pioneer Day order will be released soon and residents should check local rules before buying or using fireworks because enforcement and safety guidance will vary across communities.