Eagle Mountain and West Jordan have implemented strict fireworks restrictions through July 5 following a statewide emergency order from Governor Spencer Cox, as Utah faces some of the most dangerous wildfire conditions in state history. While personal fireworks use is heavily restricted or prohibited in specific zones to mitigate fire risks, both cities confirmed that professionally managed public displays will proceed as scheduled.
Eagle Mountain implements citywide ban
The restrictions follow an executive order issued by Governor Spencer Cox on June 25, which placed a temporary statewide restriction on fireworks. According to an announcement from Eagle Mountain City on June 26, the city reviewed the Governor's order with the Unified Fire Authority and decided to prohibit the discharge of all personal fireworks citywide through July 5.
City officials cited historic drought conditions and critically dry vegetation as primary drivers for the decision. The city noted that firefighting resources are already stretched across the state and emphasized that because the vast majority of Utah’s wildfires are human-caused, a single spark near community areas could be catastrophic. Eagle Mountain officials stated the decision was not made lightly but prioritized the safety of neighborhoods, homes, and first responders.
Eagle Mountain anniversary celebrations
To provide residents with a safe alternative, Eagle Mountain City announced it will host an Independence Day celebration beginning at 8 p.m. on July 4 at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park. The event is intended to commemorate both America’s 250th birthday and Eagle Mountain’s 30th anniversary.
According to the city, the evening festivities will include a special edition Farmers Market, a Kids Patriotic Parade, and a professionally managed fireworks show. City leaders encouraged residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals this year to ensure community safety during the extraordinary fire season.
West Jordan restricted zones
In West Jordan, a statewide fireworks ban is also in effect following the Governor's emergency order. While the city confirmed that its official July 4 fireworks show will take place as scheduled at Veterans Memorial Park at 10 p.m., other types of fireworks use remain subject to strict geographic and temporal limitations.
As West Jordan City announced on June 23, specific zones within the city are prohibited from all fireworks use to reduce wildfire risk. These restricted areas include everything within 200 feet of the Jordan River Parkway, within 200 feet of canals, creeks, and washes, and all areas west of Bacchus Hwy/SR-111. Additionally, fireworks are prohibited in city parks—except for permitted professional shows—as well as brush-covered or wildlife areas and ravines.
Legal usage and timing
The West Jordan Fire Marshal reviews these restriction zones annually with the West Jordan City Council. While the city noted that Utah municipalities cannot legally ban fireworks entirely, they can impose strict restrictions to protect residents and reduce fire danger.
For periods when fireworks are permitted, the city has established specific windows: July 2 through July 5 and July 22 through July 25, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., with extensions until midnight on July 4 and July 24. The city also reminded residents that only Class C fireworks (500g or less) are legal in Utah, explicitly prohibiting items such as cherry bombs, Roman candles, mortars, M-80s, firecrackers, silver salutes, and skyrockets.
Safety initiatives and enforcement
West Jordan officials also introduced a safety initiative where licensed fireworks stands will offer free firework safety buckets starting June 24. These buckets are intended for soaking used fireworks, with one provided per family while supplies last.
Residents are encouraged to monitor current wildfire activity via the Utah Department of Natural Resources hub before lighting any legal fireworks. The city noted that while illegal fireworks can be reported via their non-emergency line at 801-840-4000, responding to such calls can be challenging as police and fire crews will be deployed in full force to prioritize high-priority emergency responses.
Liability and legal penalties
The legal consequences for violating fireworks restrictions remain significant. In Eagle Mountain, discharging fireworks in a prohibited area is an infraction under Utah law punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Furthermore, the city warned that anyone who negligently or intentionally causes a fire may be held liable for the full cost of fire suppression and resulting damages, which can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
State leaders continue to urge residents in both West Jordan and Eagle Mountain to attend professional displays rather than attempting personal celebrations due to the high level of fire danger currently present in the region.
