Multiple Utah County cities to implement Pioneer Days fireworks restrictions
Isaac Hale, Daily Herald fire photo
Fireworks burst above LaVell Edwards Stadium as people watch from Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery in Provo as part of the Freedom Festival’s Fireworks Show to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, 2020.Multiple Utah County cities will choose to prohibit fireworks for Pioneer Day despite the lifting of a statewide ban by Gov. Spencer Cox on Monday.
The statewide ban was imposed for the Fourth of July holiday but was removed due to improved weather conditions in parts of the state. For Pioneer Day fireworks, from July 22-25, cities’ preexisting fireworks maps will govern how fireworks may be used within city limits, though cities with greater fire risk may work with the state to impose additional restrictions.
A Provo official told the Daily Herald Tuesday afternoon they will issue a citywide ban, with Fire Chief Jeremy Headman saying fire danger has actually increased since July 4 in the city.
“We’ve experienced hotter temperatures, much drier conditions, and we’ve missed the monsoon rain that normally brings much-needed moisture to our grasses, brush and hillsides,” Headman said. “Right now the vegetation is extremely dry, and it only takes one spark to start a fast-moving wildfire.
“One rainstorm does not make it safe. It would take several days of widespread, soaking rain to lower the fire danger enough to safely consider lifting the ban.”
In addition, American Fork determined Monday to continue the prohibition, citing thin firefighter resources, dry vegetation and drought. On Tuesday, Pleasant Grove, Lehi and Lindon followed suite.
An Orem City spokesman told the Daily Herald Tuesday the city was still in the process of getting permission from the state forester to issue a citywide fireworks ban.
Springville and Mapleton chose to return to their regular fire restrictions boundaries, while Spanish Fork maintained its July 4 restrictions, which allowed fireworks in certain city areas. Saratoga Springs and Vineyard announced Tuesday fireworks would be legal in designated areas on July 24-25.
Other cities had yet to announce their plans Tuesday afternoon. If no changes are made, the cities’ preexisting firework restrictions will remain in effect.
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 on Wednesday.
On July 4, one wildfire was started near Slate Canyon in Provo by aerial fireworks in a restricted area.
The state has seen 571 total fires in 2026, including 343 that were human caused, according to Utah Fire Info.
This story will be updated.


