The Utah State Forester has issued a statewide ban on the discharge of private fireworks through July 5, 2026, citing an unprecedented drought and extreme fire danger. The order, which extends into municipal boundaries, follows Governor Cox's recent declaration of a state of emergency regarding the imminent threat of wildfire during the July holiday season.
In an order effective June 26, State Forester Jamie Barnes determined that all areas within Utah qualify as extremely hazardous under the National Fire Danger Rating System. The decision was made in consultation with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires.
The ban specifically targets fireworks categorized as Division 1.4G common state-approved explosives. According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the current environmental conditions necessitate controlled use of any ignition source to mitigate the risk of a large-scale fire disaster.
The State Forester's order utilizes authority granted by Utah Code § 65A-8-212 and Executive Order 2026-04 to expand restrictions beyond typical state and private lands. While the State Forester generally has limited power to prohibit fireworks within municipal boundaries, the Governor’s emergency declaration temporarily suspended those limitations.
Under this authority, the discharge of fireworks is prohibited throughout the entire state, including inside city and town limits, for the duration of July 2 through July 5, 2026. The order notes that the existing drought conditions have created a significant and material risk to both wildland urban interface areas and populated municipal zones.
There is a specific mechanism for cities to allow fireworks within their limits, provided they meet strict criteria. Municipalities may create "municipally designated areas" if the city's mayor and fire chief jointly identify the location for discharge.
To implement such an area, a municipality must have notified the State Forester in writing with a map or specific coordinates by the close of business on June 30, 2026. If these conditions are met, the prohibition is lifted only for those specifically identified zones.
Local governments have begun implementing these restrictions immediately. Millville City announced on July 2, 2026, that no fireworks are permitted anywhere within its city limits for the period of July 2 through July 5.
The city noted that while private usage is prohibited under the State Forester's ban and the Governor's executive order, certain commercial displays may still proceed. Millville officials stated that some neighboring cities are planning to hold licensed commercial shows, such as the Logan City fireworks display on July 3 and the Hyrum City show on July 4.
Millville City clarified that fireworks are always banned within their limits outside of this specific July window. The city also indicated that the current restrictions will be reevaluated based on changing environmental conditions prior to the upcoming Pioneer Day holiday.
In addition to municipal designations, the State Forester's order provides an exception for professional firework displays and related performances. These are permitted as long as they are licensed by the Utah State Fire Marshal Division and have received proper permits from a local municipality, county, or fire district.
The statewide ban remains in effect through July 5, 2026. All other existing laws, statutes, and local ordinances that do not conflict with the State Forester's order remain in full force. The Department of Natural Resources continues to monitor weather patterns and fire danger levels as the holiday season progresses.
