Several Davis County municipalities have implemented full or targeted bans on personal fireworks through July 25, 2026, following a state order allowing local officials to request expanded restrictions. The move responds to critically dry vegetation and elevated wildfire risks across the region during the Pioneer Day holiday period.
Statewide Flexibility Amid Fire Risk
The ability for local governments to implement these restrictions stems from a state order issued by the Utah State Forester. According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the order enables municipalities to request expanded restrictions on fireworks within their borders for the period of July 22 through July 25, 2026. This flexibility was granted because, while wildfire conditions remain a concern, recent monsoonal rains and increased humidity have provided sporadic improvements in certain geographic regions of the state.
Heightened Fire Danger Conditions
The State Forester's decision follows Governor Cox's Executive Order 2026-04, which declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of fire disasters caused by the July fireworks season. The State Forester determined that while a statewide ban is not necessary for the Pioneer Day holiday, many locations still meet the criteria for extremely hazardous conditions under Utah Code § 65A-8-212. Additionally, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) has elevated the National Preparedness to Level 5, which continues to strain local, state, and national wildland firefighting resources.
Full Bans in Davis County
In Davis County, several cities have opted for a full ban on personal fireworks through the holiday period. West Bountiful City implemented a full ban because local wildland fire conditions had not improved or had worsened since the initial statewide ban earlier in the month. Centerville City also requested authorization for a citywide prohibition from July 22 through July 25, citing local conditions, available firefighting resources, and the potential risk to homes and property.
Woods Cross City and North Salt Lake have also enacted full bans. Woods Cross officials determined that current conditions present an imminent risk of wildfire ignition due to sustained hot and dry weather and the proximity of combustible vegetation in drainage corridors and undeveloped properties. North Salt Lake implemented a total ban, citing hot and dry weather and the presence of many open areas containing grasses and extremely dry vegetation as sufficient justification.
Targeted Restrictions and Local Geography
Other Davis County municipalities have opted for targeted restrictions rather than a total ban. Layton and Kaysville have both developed restriction maps to address areas where fine fuels, including grasses and light vegetation, remain critically dry and susceptible to ignition. Clinton has also established a targeted restriction map to designate areas of elevated fire hazard due to critically dry vegetation.
South Weber City has implemented targeted bans based on its unique geography. The city sits within a river valley surrounded by forested mountain slopes, creating an environment where the outer parts of the community present a higher fire hazard risk than the central parts. Local officials, including the Mayor and Fire Chief, considered the specific risks posed by dry brush, grass, and tree-covered areas when determining these restrictions.
Municipal Options and Exceptions
Bountiful has also implemented a full ban on fireworks through July 25, citing concerns regarding extremely hazardous fire conditions during the Pioneer Day holiday.
Under the state's guidelines, municipalities have the option to refuse the expanded restrictions if their Mayor and Fire Chief determine that conditions in their locality are acceptable for firework discharge. If a municipality chooses to allow fireworks, they may do so according to existing municipal maps without further action. However, fireworks displays and related performances that are licensed by the Utah State Fire Marshal Division and permitted by a municipality, county, or fire district are exempt from the restrictions.
Procedural Protocols for Bans
The State Forester's order provides a procedural protocol for municipalities to request these bans. To implement a ban, a municipality must notify the State Forester in writing and provide a map or coordinates of the exact areas affected. The deadline for municipalities to submit these requests was 2:00 p.m. (MDT) on July 21, 2026. Once a request is received, the State Forester issues an independent Order that takes immediate effect.
