Utah County fire officials demonstrate fireworks safety tips as July celebrations take place
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- Firefighters with American Fork Fire & Rescue conduct a demonstration of proper firework use and disposal at Mesquite Park in Cedar Hills on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
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- A discharged firework is shown following a demonstration by American Fork firefighters showing proper firework use and disposal at Mesquite Park in Cedar Hills on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
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- Payson Fire Chief Scott Spencer speaks during a media briefing about wildfire risk and fireworks safety at Mesquite Park in Cedar Hills on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
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- A discharged firework soaks in water following a demonstration by American Fork firefighters showing proper firework use and disposal at Mesquite Park in Cedar Hills on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
July in Utah offers multiple times throughout the month when fireworks are permitted in most areas across the state, mainly surrounding Fourth of July and Pioneer Day holiday celebrations.
The allowable discharge dates are July 2-5 and July 22-25, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m; with an hour extension until midnight on July 4 and July 24.
Those who refuse to adhere to the restrictions could face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or time in jail.
However, for people opting to light their own sparklers and aerial fireworks, fire officials are sharing tips to ensure safety and warnings for people living in areas where fireworks are completely off limits.
On Thursday, wildfire officials with the Utah Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, along with multiple fire agencies in Utah County, gathered at Mesquite Park in Cedar Hills to discuss the current fire danger level and potential risks at hand.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect statewide due to extreme fire danger and dry conditions. The prohibitions are being enforced in all state and unincorporated county lands and include setting off fireworks in those areas.
It also means no campfires outside of campgrounds.
Utah County Fire Warden Garrett Nielsen reminded those planning to recreate in the wilderness to use designated fire pits that have already been put in place and to make sure any fires are properly extinguished.
“That is a common issue that we have in Utah County that tends to get our first responders and myself out of bed at 2 in the morning,” he said. “And it can be problematic for us when we actually have real emergencies, just for someone that didn’t put out a fire.”
In Utah County cities that sit along the east bench near the foothills, strict fireworks restrictions are enforced.
Payson Fire Chief Scott Spencer urges people to be cautious of areas most vulnerable to fire danger.
“In Payson, like many other municipalities, we have areas that we’ve restricted just because those areas are in high-hazard areas,” he said. “We ask people to be wise in how they use their fireworks, get educated and be safe while they’re discharging their fireworks.”
One example of what fire crews have already faced this season was clearly visible Thursday morning, as officials outlined safety measures underneath a burn scar from the recent mountainside fire in Cedar Hills.
On June 25, a wildfire sparked on the hillside above the city, burning for roughly 25 hours in close proximity to dozens of homes.
American Fork Fire Battalion Chief Justin Whatcott said the fire showed just how hot and dry the current conditions are.
“It touched off and ran up the hill very fast, based on the dry heat we’ve had and the low moisture content,” he told reporters.
While the exact of the fire is still being investigated, officials say it was human-caused.
During Thursday’s briefing, firefighters with American Fork Fire & Rescue demonstrated the proper way to use and dispose of fireworks.
Their tips included:
- Lighting fireworks away from homes and dry vegetation.
- After they’re used, allow fireworks to cool for at least 20 minutes before touching them.
- Soak the fireworks with water inside of a bucket or a hose if they are too large for a bucket.
- Once the firework has been soaked, safely dispose of it in a trash can.
Officials also advised people to keep fireworks away from small children.
“We have injuries from sparklers every year,” Whatcott said. “Make sure we’re keeping those away from our kids to where they’re not able to burn themselves.”
Residents are encouraged to check their respective city’s website for specific restrictions.
Or in areas more prone to fire danger, officials recommend people enjoy a city- or festival-organized fireworks presentation.
