Extreme drought conditions and rising summer temperatures have triggered new water conservation advisories in Eagle Mountain and prompted Grand County officials to issue urgent fireworks warnings. The state remains under a drought emergency declaration issued by Governor Spencer J. Cox in May 2026 following the warmest winter on record.
Eagle Mountain watering guidelines
Eagle Mountain officials announced Thursday that residents should follow specific lawn watering guidelines to preserve community resources as temperatures climb. The city noted that Utah is currently experiencing severe drought conditions characterized by dry soil and below-average snowpack, which has significantly reduced spring runoff into the state's reservoirs, streams, rivers, and lakes.
According to recommendations released by the city this week, landscapes within Utah County generally require no more than three watering days per week. To maintain healthy lawns while conserving water, officials advised residents against simply increasing watering times if dry spots appear in their yards. Instead, the city recommended inspecting sprinkler zones for misaligned, clogged, or broken heads that may be preventing proper coverage.
Tips for lawn moisture retention
To further combat summer heat, Eagle Mountain suggested that residents raise mower heights to approximately 3 inches. This practice helps shade the soil and retain moisture more effectively while encouraging deeper root growth and reducing weed development.
Grand County fireworks fire risks
In Grand County, officials are addressing separate but related environmental threats as the Fourth of July approaches. The Grand County Commission unanimously approved a resolution on June 16 encouraging residents to respect fireworks laws and restrictions due to the high fire risk posed by prolonged drought and extremely dry vegetation.
Moab City fireworks usage restrictions
The resolution highlights that fireworks have historically caused wildfires in the area and emphasizes that reducing such risks is essential for protecting public safety. This follows a temporary fireworks ban adopted by the Moab City Council earlier this, which prohibits use on pedestrian paths, public trails, parkways, and within 200 feet of Pack Creek or Mill Creek.
Under those city restrictions, fireworks are also prohibited within 20 feet of any combustible material, building, structure, residence, or any city parks, with the exception of the Center Street ball fields. Additionally, the use of fireworks remains prohibited on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands.
High wildfire danger levels
Fire officials warned that the danger level is currently very high across all elevations in Grand County. Moab Valley Fire Department Wildland Division Chief Clark Maughan informed commissioners that the Energy Release Component—a metric used to measure how dry fuels are and how intensely a fire might burn—is in the 95th percentile at lower elevations.
Safety precautions for firework use
Maughan noted that the index is nearing the 97th percentile in the La Sal Mountains, approaching a 10-year high for this time of year. This period from mid-June through early July typically represents the highest wildfire danger window for Grand County.
As a precaution, Maughan urged residents to use legal fireworks only in areas clear of vegetation and at least 20 feet away from vehicles, structures, and other flammable materials. He also recommended that anyone using fireworks keep a hose or bucket of water nearby to quickly extinguish any flames.
Despite the high fire risk, the annual community fireworks show for Moab and Grand County is still scheduled for July 4. The display will launch from Lions Back at dark and can be viewed throughout downtown Moab, with the show synchronized to music broadcast on KCYN 97.1 FM.
Per 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 extending until midnight on July 4. To manage potential emergencies, the Moab Valley Fire Department plans to have most engines fully staffed on the evening of July 4, utilizing both volunteer and career firefighters to patrol the valley.
