A temporary, statewide emergency fireworks ban was issued by the State of Utah because of increasing wildfire danger. The restriction lasted through July 5, with officials planning to reevaluate conditions before Pioneer Day.
In Box Elder County, unincorporated state, private, and BLM lands were under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. During this period, personal fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition were strictly prohibited on these lands.
Under the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in unincorporated areas, all open fires were banned. This included campfires and charcoal grills, even at developed sites. An exception was made for devices using pressurized liquid or gas fuels with a shut-off valve, such as propane stoves or grills, provided they were used at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
Smoking was prohibited outside, except when within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or in an area that was paved or entirely free of dry vegetation.
For incorporated cities and towns, the state ban allowed local municipalities to work with fire officials to designate specific safe-discharge zones. Residents were responsible for checking with their local city government to identify approved areas before lighting fireworks.
While retailers could continue selling fireworks, buyers were held strictly responsible for using them only in locally designated safe areas. Professional community fireworks displays organized by local cities and towns were exempt from the state ban and were permitted to proceed as planned.
Weather precautions were advised, noting that use of fireworks should be postponed or discontinued immediately if high winds, precipitation, or other adverse weather conditions occurred.
