Gov. Cox says cities will regain primary firework authority for Pioneer Day
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- Fireworks burst across the skies of northern Utah County.
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- A firework tent is seen Monday, July 20, 2026, in Springville.
A statewide fireworks ban that went into effect for the Fourth of July will not be issued for Pioneer Day this week, Gov. Spencer Cox said in an update of fireworks restrictions Monday.
Instead, each municipality will have primary authority over its own fireworks restrictions, while the state retains the ability to impose additional restrictions in high-risk wildfire communities.
“We were hopeful conditions would improve enough to safely return more decisions to our local communities, and in many parts of Utah, that’s exactly what’s happened,” Cox said in a news release. “Recent storms have brought meaningful relief to many areas of the state. At the same time, other communities remain at serious risk. This approach recognizes that wildfire conditions now vary across Utah while ensuring we still have the tools to protect lives and property where the danger remains highest.”
Under the Fourth of July holiday restriction, cities were allowed to work with local fire officials to designate areas of safe use; however, the statewide prohibition was the default rule if a municipality chose not to make amendments.
For Pioneer Day fireworks, from July 22-25, cities’ preexisting fireworks maps will govern how fireworks may be used within city limits, and cities with greater fire risk may work with the state to levy additional restrictions.
State Forester Jamie Barnes said in Monday’s news release that the new approach reflects current fire conditions.
“Recent precipitation has improved conditions in many areas, but not everywhere,” Barnes said. “This process gives communities flexibility while ensuring we can quickly implement additional restrictions where local fire conditions warrant them. We encourage everyone to check with their city before using fireworks.”
Most Utah County cities followed the state’s outright ban for July 4, though some opted to establish their own policies. Spanish Fork, Payson and Mapleton, for instance, permitted fireworks in city areas away from the foothills and rural areas.
One wildfire was started near Slate Canyon in Provo by aerial fireworks in a restricted area but was quickly stopped.
As of Monday afternoon, no Utah County cities had posted publicly whether they’ll make any adjustments to their existing firework maps for the holiday.
Low snowpack, dry weather and erratic winds have led to an unpredictable fire season, according to multiple fire authorities. Provo had just 0.39 inches of rain in June, and just a trace of rain in July, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. However, a chance of showers in Provo is forecast Monday through Friday.
The state has seen 571 total fires in 2026, including 343 that were human caused, according to Utah Fire Info.
