Utah Bans Fourth of July Fireworks Amid Extreme Wildfire Danger
TL;DR
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared a statewide state of emergency and banned fireworks for the Fourth of July due to extreme wildfire risk from a dry winter, severe drought (about 94% of the state in severe/extreme drought), and gusty winds. The move comes as firefighters battle several large wildfires, including the Iron Fire near Eureka and the Cottonwood Fire (which surpassed 70,000 acres), with evacuations underway and conditions expected to worsen under near-statewide Red Flag warnings.
- Utah governor declares state of emergency banning fireworks for Fourth of July KUTV
- Fireworks bans expand across Utah ahead of Independence Day KUTV
- Cities are ‘caught in the middle’ of public safety and the law when it comes to fireworks bans, Sandy mayor says ABC4 Utah
- As Utah burns, Gov. Spencer Cox orders firework restrictions ahead of July Fourth The Salt Lake Tribune
- Utahns are debating fireworks bans. Here’s why some towns can and others can’t NPR Utah | KUER
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