Gov. Cox declares state of emergency, all personal fireworks banned
SALT LAKE CITY—One day after Mayfield Town became the first municipality in Sanpete County to adopt tight local fire restrictions, the state moved to expand wildfire prevention efforts across Utah.
Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency Thursday, June 25, authorizing fireworks restrictions statewide. The action allows the state forester to ban fireworks regardless of whether they are located on state, unincorporated or municipal land.
“Wildfires, especially those caused by preventable human action, require every measure necessary to protect the lives, property, and wellbeing of Utahns,” Cox wrote in the order.
Cox noted that 94% of Utah remains in severe or extreme drought and that 354 wildfires have burned more than 141,700 acres statewide this year. He also said at least 75% of the fires this season have been caused by human activity.
Two days later, on Saturday June 27, Jamie Barnes, the Utah state forester and director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, signed an order banning fireworks statewide from July 2-5.
The only exception is if cities set aside a specific location and time where fireworks are permitted. So far, the only town in the state to use the exception is Clinton City, in Davis County. No towns in Sanpete have set up designated areas.
Barnes’s order doesn’t affect public fireworks displays approved by local governments and the Utah State Fire Marshal Division.
Cox directed Barnes to reevaluate fire conditions following the July Fourth holiday. If dangerous conditions persist, similar restrictions could be implemented for the Pioneer Day fireworks period from July 22-25.
The governor’s action came one day after the Mayfield Town Council unanimously approved a prohibition on fireworks in its town.
“Speaking personally as someone who lives here, this is one of the driest years I can remember,” Amanda Bennett, town clerk and recorder, said. “Many lawns have stayed brown despite people’s efforts to water them.
“Along our ditch banks, we’ve seen mature trees die because there simply hasn’t been enough moisture. Even walking across my own yard, the ground crackles underfoot because it’s so dry.
“We’ve also been devastated watching the growing number of wildfires burning across Utah and seeing the destruction they leave behind for families, communities and our natural landscapes.”
“If adopting these restrictions helps prevent even one fire or protects someone’s home, farm, or livelihood, then it’s well worth the effort,” she said
The resolution authorizes town officials, law enforcement officers and fire officials to enforce the restrictions. Violations may be prosecuted under state law, municipal ordinance or both.
“But our hope,” Bennett said, “is that everyone will recognize the seriousness of the current conditions and comply voluntarily.”