Several Davis County municipalities have implemented full or targeted bans on personal fireworks through July 25, 2026, following a State Forester order that grants local leaders the authority to expand restrictions due to wildfire risks. The local measures supplement statewide limitations enacted by Governor Spencer J. Cox to mitigate fire threats during the Pioneer Day holiday period.
State Forester Grants Local Flexibility
The ability for local governments to expand restrictions stems from a July 20, 2026, order from the Utah State Forester. This order allows municipalities to request full or targeted bans within their boundaries if they determine such measures are warranted due to local conditions, such as dry vegetation or limited firefighting resources.
According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, while a statewide ban is not required for the Pioneer Day holiday, many regions still face extremely hazardous conditions. The State Forester's order provides flexibility to cities that see localized improvements in humidity or rainfall, while allowing others to maintain or expand restrictions if wildfire conditions have not improved or have worsened.
Davis County Full Bans
In Davis County, several cities have opted for a full ban on personal fireworks through July 25. West Bountiful City, Centerville, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, and Bountiful have all implemented total bans.
West Bountiful City cited extremely dry conditions and elevated fire risk as the reason for its ban. Centerville requested authorization for its ban based on local conditions, available firefighting resources, and the potential risk to homes and property. Woods Cross officials stated that the proximity of combustible vegetation in drainage corridors and undeveloped properties creates an imminent risk of wildfire ignition.
Targeted Restrictions in Davis County
Other Davis County municipalities have implemented targeted bans rather than citywide prohibitions. Layton, Kaysville, South Weber City, and Clinton have all developed specific restriction maps to manage fire hazards.
Layton and Kaysville identified critically dry fine fuels, such as grasses and light vegetation, as the primary reason for their targeted restrictions. South Weber City officials noted that the community's location within a river valley surrounded by forested mountain slopes creates a unique environment where outer parts of the community present a higher hazard risk than the central sections. Clinton has also designated specific areas of elevated hazard due to dry vegetation.
Permitted Discharge Windows
Under the existing statewide framework, the discharge of fireworks is generally permitted during specific windows: July 2 through July 5, and July 22 through July 25. For the July 4th holiday, discharge is allowed until midnight.
State law dictates that fireworks may only be discharged between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., with exceptions for midnight on July 4 and July 24. Violators of these restrictions or those discharging in prohibited areas may face an infraction with fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Legal Framework for Restrictions
The current restrictions are part of a broader response to extreme wildfire conditions across Utah. Governor Cox issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of fire disasters caused by the July fireworks season.
Utah Code 65A-8-212 grants the state forester the power to close hazardous areas to the public, including prohibitions on open fires and fireworks. However, the law specifies that the state forester may not restrict or prohibit the discharge of fireworks within the municipal boundaries of a city or town, unless the municipality specifically requests expanded restrictions through the protocols established by the state.
Safety and Liability Warnings
Residents are encouraged to use common sense and prioritize safety when handling fireworks. For those who do discharge fireworks legally, officials recommend staying clear of brush, trees, and dry grass, and ensuring a hose or water bucket is nearby.
Additionally, Utah Code 53-7-225.1 establishes that individuals, or guardians of minors, may be held civilly liable for the costs of suppressing fires caused by negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, even if the fire occurs during a legal discharge period.
