The Grand County Commission voted unanimously on June 16 to approve a resolution urging residents to strictly adhere to fireworks laws as extreme drought and dry vegetation create very high wildfire danger across the region. The decision follows warnings from fire officials that current conditions in Grand County have reached critical levels of risk.
Resolution emphasizes fireworks law compliance
The resolution, passed by commissioners during their June 16 meeting, emphasizes the importance of respecting fireworks restrictions to protect public safety and community well-being. According to a report by Moab Times, the commission noted that fireworks have been responsible for causing wildfires in the past and that reducing such risks is vital during the current period of prolonged drought.
High wildfire risk metrics reported
Moab Valley Fire Department Wildland Division Chief Clark Maughan informed commissioners that fire danger remains very high at all elevations throughout Grand and County. Providing specific technical data, Maughan stated that the Energy Release Component—a metric used to measure how dry vegetation is and how intensely a wildfire might burn—is currently in the 95th percentile in lower elevations.
The fire danger is even more acute in higher altitudes, with Maughan reporting that the Energy Release Component is nearing the 97th percentile in the La Sal Mountains. This level of intensity is approaching a 10-year high for this time of year. These elevated risks align with typical seasonal patterns, as Grand County generally experiences its peak wildfire danger from mid-June through early July.
Safety precautions for legal fireworks
In response to these hazards, Maughan advised residents who choose to $‐$use legal fireworks to ensure they are in areas clear of vegetation. He recommended that all detonations occur at least 20 feet away from structures, vehicles, and other flammable materials. Additionally, he urged the public to keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby to immediately extinguish any small fires that may start during celebrations.
Specific local and federal restrictions
The commission's resolution references specific restrictions established by the Moab City Council earlier this year. The 2026 city regulations prohibit the use of fireworks on pedestrian paths, public trails, and parkways. Furthermore, the city prohibits detonations within 200 feet of Mill Creek or Pack Creek, and within 20 feet of any building, structure, residence, or combustible material.
Permitted locations and usage times
Within the city limits, fireworks are only permitted in city parks at the Center Street ball fields. The restrictions also extend to federal lands, with fireworks strictly prohibited on all U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Under Utah state law, legal fireworks may be used from July 2 through July 5, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., with the window extended until midnight on July 4.
Fire department holiday staffing plans
To manage the upcoming holiday, the Moab Valley Fire Department plans to have most of its engines fully staffed on the evening of July 4. A combination of career and volunteer firefighters will be patrolling the valley throughout the night.
A community-wide fireworks display is scheduled for July 4, organized by the City of Moab and Grand County. The show will launch from Lions Back at dark and will be visible from various locations throughout downtown Moab. The display will feature a musical synchronization broadcast on KCYN 97.1 FM.
