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Here are Utah's fireworks restrictions, rules for 2022

by Matthew Jacobson, KUTV

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FILE: Utahns are urged to skip personal fireworks in 2022, but for those who choose to celebrate, here are the restrictions. {p}{br}{/p}
FILE: Utahns are urged to skip personal fireworks in 2022, but for those who choose to celebrate, here are the restrictions.{ }
FILE: Utahns are urged to skip personal fireworks in 2022, but for those who choose to celebrate, here are the restrictions.{ }
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FILE: Utahns are urged to skip personal fireworks in 2022, but for those who choose to celebrate, here are the restrictions.


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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Note: You'll find links to each city's individual fire restrictions at the end of the article.

Wildfire season and fireworks season happen concurrently in Utah, and in recent years the risk associated with both have been elevated due to drought. According to Utah Fire Info, nearly 82% of the fires this year were human-caused.

As Utahns prepare to celebrate the both the founding of the United States and the settling of Utah, it's crucial to make safety and fire prevention the No. 1 priority.

Here are Utah's fire restrictions, rules, and safety guidelines for 2022.

SAFETY FIRST

  • Only use fireworks in locations where they're not prohibited, and only during designated holidays
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and a source of water nearby when lighting fireworks
  • Never light fireworks near dry vegetation, of which Utah has an abundance this year
  • Use extra caution when using aerial fireworks, which have the potential to land in unintended areas

The National Safety Council has a more detailed list, which includes sound advice like keeping a safe distance away from lit fireworks, never using homemade fireworks, and never altering fireworks purchased from a retailer.

A crucial tip from the council, though, is that fireworks do not mix with alcohol and drugs. The Utah Fire Marshal suggests that if there's imbibing, there should be a "designated lighter" who handles the pyrotechnics.

WHEN CAN I BUY FIREWORKS IN UTAH?

Fireworks are legal to purchased between June 24 - July 25. Fireworks can also be purchased between Dec. 29 - 31 and on Chinese New Year's Eve and the two days leading up to it.

WHEN CAN I LIGHT FIREWORKS IN UTAH?

For the Independence Day holiday, fireworks are only legal to discharge between 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on July 2, 3 and 5. On July 4, fireworks can be lit between 11 a.m. - midnight.

For Pioneer Day, fireworks are only legal between 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on July 22, 23 and 25. On July 24, fireworks can be discharged from 11 a.m. - midnight.

Fireworks are also legal from 11 a.m. New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. New Year's Day, and from 11 a.m. on Chinese New Year's Eve to 1 a.m. Chinese New Year.

WHERE CAN I LIGHT FIREWORKS IN UTAH?

Fireworks are always illegal in state parks and national parks, as well as any other state or federal forest lands. This includes a large portion of Utah.

Cities may have different rules each year, and some areas may be prohibiting fireworks this year because of the drought. At the end of this article, you'll find a list of cities provided by the Utah Fire Marshal, along with a link to each city's most recent fireworks restrictions.

SHOULD I LIGHT FIREWORKS IN UTAH?

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Authorities are asking Utahns to enjoy their city's professional fireworks shows this year and forego lighting off personal devices that could possibly spark a new wildfire.

In recent years, the state has witnessed the damage fireworks can cause.

In June 2020, two Utah County teens started the Traverse Fire after lighting a Roman candle. The incident cost the state $300,000 to battle and forced residents to evacuate as their homes were being threatened by the flames.

The next month, a group of Washington County teens set off fireworks that led to the Turkey Farm Road Fire, which burned nearly 12,000 acres of federal, state and private land near St. George. Utah spent $2.5 million containing the fire.

Last year, there were 115 fires started by fireworks, said Brian Steed, director of the Utah Division of Natural Resources.

As part of Utah's fire safety campaign this year, one of the boys responsible for the Turkey Farm Road Fire narrated a public service announcement about the dangers of fireworks -- especially in areas where they are strictly prohibited.

According to utahfiresense.org, an estimated 6% of wildfires in Utah are started by people being careless with fireworks or using them illegally.

WHICH CITIES IN UTAH HAVE FIREWORKS RESTRICTIONS?

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The following links were provided by the Utah Fire Marshal's Office. Some cities and counties with restrictions dating back several years may have new ordinances that have not been updated in the fire marshal's list.

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