Salt Lake City officials have enforced a ban on all personal fireworks within city limits through July 5, 2026, citing extreme wildfire and drought risks. The restriction follows an executive order issued by Governor Cox on June 25, aimed at preventing accidental fires during periods of high fire danger.
Fireworks Restrictions and Penalties
The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office announced that the prohibition on discharging personal fireworks is currently in effect to mitigate community harm caused by recent fires. Under the current restrictions, any individual caught violating the ban may face fines of up to $1,000.
While the city cannot legally prohibit vendors from selling fireworks to the public, the use of those products remains illegal within Salt Lake City limits. To manage the high fire risk, officials have provided an interactive online map indicating specific red areas where fireworks discharge is strictly prohibited.
Drone Shows Replace Pyrotechnics
In place of traditional pyrotechnic displays, Salt Lake City has scheduled two drone shows to allow residents to celebrate the summer holidays safely. The first drone show was scheduled for Friday, July 3, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Jordan Park.
A second drone show is planned for Friday, July 24, from 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Liberty Park. Both events are free and open to all ages.
Water Shortage and Drought Status
The fire restrictions are part of a broader response to environmental challenges facing the region, including an ongoing drought. The Salt Lake City Public Utilities service area is currently under a Stage 2 Water Shortage Advisory, which requires a reduction of 10 million gallons of water use per day.
While reductions for residents and businesses remain voluntary, city facilities and government institutions are mandated to stay within irrigation-only meter budgets and must reduce their indoor water use by 10%.
Wildfire Preparedness and Air Quality
As wildfire season progresses, the city is urging residents to prepare for potential emergencies using the Fire Department's "Ready, Set, Go!" Plan. Officials recommend that residents review evacuation plans, gather essential medications and documents, and ensure vehicles are fueled in the event of an active fire.
To monitor active wildfires, the city directs citizens to UtahFireInfo.gov. Residents are also encouraged to use portable air purifiers and minimize the use of swamp coolers during smoke events to maintain indoor air quality, as smoke particles can travel hundreds of miles and penetrate buildings.
Emergency Resources and Cooling
For those facing extreme summer temperatures, Salt Lake County has established 2026 Cool Zones across various public buildings to provide temporary relief. Additionally, the city reminds residents that while Wireless Emergency Alerts are location-based and do not require subscription, they should continue to monitor official updates for any changes to fire risk assessments by the Utah State Forester.
