Confusion follows Utah's new fireworks restrictions
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Utah cities are publicizing a patchwork of fireworks bans after Gov. Cox's executive order changed restrictions statewide amid historic drought and wildfires.
The intrigue: Thursday's order is a legal shift away from Utah's relatively permissive approach to fireworks — but they could still be allowed in some neighborhoods.
How it works: It suspends a state law that normally prevents individual cities and counties from enacting blanket bans on fireworks.
- Now, fireworks are presumed off-limits statewide unless cities designate specific areas approved by local fire officials, with oversight from the state forester.
- It also suspends a law that forbids the state forester from issuing emergency firework bans in any city.
Reality check: Many cities have already set fireworks boundaries for years under a provision that allowed restrictions in areas near waterways and fire-prone wild lands.
Friction point: As of Friday, other cities across Utah were still figuring out where fireworks will be allowed July 2-5, with several posting on social media that they weren't yet sure what Cox's order would mean.
Zoom in: Personal fireworks were forbidden throughout Salt Lake County, with all cities here agreeing to blanket bans, per the Unified Fire Authority.
Between the lines: Per Utah code, "fireworks" don't include glow worms, paper snappers, toy cap guns, party poppers, and wire sparklers less than 12 inches long.
What's next: Cox said he'll review conditions again to decide whether to restrict fireworks for the July 24 Pioneer Day holiday, when Utah's pyrotechnics are usually even more prolific than on the Fourth of July.