The Town of Scipio and the Scipio Fire Department issued a joint directive on August 25, 2026, implementing an immediate and total ban on all personal fireworks within town limits. The decision follows a state of emergency declared by Governor Cox due to an imminent threat of devastating wildfires caused by prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures across Utah.
Immediate Restrictions and Scope
The emergency ban, which covers all public and private properties within the Scipio town boundaries, was enacted to protect community homes and natural surroundings. According to the Scipio Town Hall, the town has already experienced multiple close calls in and around the community, prompting local officials to take decisive action to prevent avoidable disasters.
Under the terms of the directive, the restriction is effective immediately and will cover all upcoming holiday celebrations until further notice. The Town of Scipio noted that officials may reassess the ban when the July 24th celebrations approach.
Prohibited Items and Leadership
The ban applies to a wide range of consumer pyrotechnics. Prohibited items include all class C fireworks, sparklers, Roman candles, firecrackers, aerial shells, and any other consumer pyrotechnics. The town's directive aims to mitigate the elevated risk of catastrophic wildfire currently affecting the state.
Mayor Kasey Brunson and Scipio Fire Chief Casey Draper signed the order, emphasizing that the safety of citizens and the preservation of the community must take precedence over traditional summer celebrations. The town's volunteer fire department relies on community cooperation to manage these environmental risks.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations of the fireworks ban will be strictly enforced by local law enforcement and fire officials. Individuals found in possession of prohibited fireworks face immediate confiscation of the items and a minimum citation fine of $1,000.
Furthermore, the town has established strict liability rules for fire incidents. Anyone found responsible for causing a fire due to the use of fireworks will be held liable for all firefighting costs and damages resulting from the incident.
State of Emergency Context
The local directive was issued in response to Executive Order 2026-04, which was issued by Governor Cox. This state-level order declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of devastating wildfires across the state of Utah.
Under the Governor's order, regular statutory limitations have been suspended to empower local governments and fire officials to protect their communities. The Scipio Town Hall noted that the current environmental conditions, including high temperatures and prolonged dry spells, have created an elevated risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Reporting and Information
Scipio Town officials have requested that residents and visitors report any violations to a Scipio town council member or a member of the Scipio Fire Department. In the event of an actual fire emergency, the public is instructed to dial 911 immediately.
The town continues to provide resources for residents to stay informed, including options to subscribe to email and SMS notifications for news and alerts.
Community Resources
The Town of Scipio remains committed to water conservation and community safety through its various departments, including the Town Clerk and Code Enforcement. Residents can find further information regarding municipal services and local government through the official town hall resources.
Municipal Operations
The Scipio Town Hall serves as the primary resource for information regarding local government, services, and municipal departments. The town maintains active departments for planning and zoning, historic preservation, and code compliance to manage the community's growth and safety.
