Utah declares emergency, bans July 4 fireworks as largest wildfire threatens 250 celebrations

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Utah Gov Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared a statewide emergency and banned most private Fourth of July fireworks, setting off a clash with local officials as worsening wildfires threaten celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.

The unprecedented order drew support from fire officials and some local leaders who called the move necessary to protect lives. Others argued the governor had gone too far by overriding local decision-making in communities facing lower wildfire risks.

Cox defends statewide fireworks ban

Cox signed an executive order creating a state of emergency that allows the state forester to prohibit fireworks within city boundaries from July 2 through July 5.

While the order establishes a statewide ban, it also lets mayors work with local fire officials to designate safe areas where fireworks may still be allowed.

Pushing back against criticism, Cox said the order does not strip cities of their authority.

"Some are spreading a narrative about removing local control that is completely untrue," he said, as per the Deseret News.

"City officials have complete discretion to manage fireworks within their jurisdiction, including completely removing any restrictions imposed by the state forester. Saying otherwise is disingenuous," he said.

The governor's action comes as Utah experiences what he described as the worst wildfire conditions in living memory, threatening celebrations planned for the nation's 250th birthday.

Forestry, Fire and State Lands Director Jamie Barnes acknowledged the decision was difficult but said it was necessary given the danger.

"We want people to know that we want them to celebrate the Fourth of July," Barnes told the Deseret News. "We want to celebrate it also. But celebrating it through starting a wildfire isn't a celebration."

Wildfires fuel America 250 concerns

Utah has recorded about 370 wildfires this year, burning roughly 155,000 acres and costing $20 million to fight. The state is also battling the Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County, now the largest wildfire in the country, which has burned around 72,000 acres and remains 0% contained.

Officials said severe drought, record heat, historically low snowpack and human activity have combined to create dangerous fire conditions.

The National Weather Service also issued its first-ever particularly dangerous situation red flag warning for parts of central and southern Utah.

Draper Mayor Troy Walker backed Cox's emergency order, warning that neighborhoods near the mountains remain especially vulnerable.

"A giant chunk of my community is in the perfect situation should we have some type of catastrophic event where you could burn a neighborhood down like Palisades, California," Walker said.

He added that fireworks "aren't essential to the celebration of the birth of the United States."

Local officials dispute statewide approach

Not everyone agreed with the governor's decision.

Riverton City Council member Andy Pierucci argued existing law already allowed cities to restrict fireworks where conditions warranted and said different communities face different wildfire risks.

"The Fourth of July is a holiday where our ancestors thumbed their noses at government," Pierucci said. "It's kind of a joke to assume people are not going to once again thumb their noses at government and light off fireworks to celebrate."

Rep Matt MacPherson, who owns PyroCrate Fireworks, warned the restrictions could unintentionally encourage people to ignite fireworks in more isolated locations.