Utah Tightens Fireworks Rules as Wildfires Strain Resources Ahead of July Fourth

Facing more than 350 wildfires and rising costs, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statewide fireworks ban for July 2–5, delegated to the state forester, with cities allowed to designate safe areas. The state also moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions—no open fires on state and private lands—while fires like the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver burn and firefighting resources are stretched. Law enforcement will crack down on violations, and lawmakers had mixed reactions to the broad authority, which could be extended for Pioneer Day.