Logan to enforce statewide fireworks ban as wildfire danger rises
Editors Note: This story was updated on July 23 at 9:26 p.m. to provide additional information.
Logan City will enforce Utah’s temporary statewide ban on personal fireworks over the Independence Day holiday following an executive order issued by Gov. Spencer Cox amid historic wildfire conditions.
The order prohibits the use of non-commercial fireworks from July 2 through July 5 unless municipalities designate approved areas where they may be discharged. Logan City announced Friday it will not establish any designated areas, making personal fireworks prohibited throughout the city during the holiday period. Fireworks are always only permitted from July 2 through July 5.
“We can’t afford to have any loss due to fire in our community,” Mayor Mark Anderson said in a city news release. “One home, one hillside, is just not worth the risk.”
The governor issued the executive order on June 25 after declaring a state of emergency because of extreme wildfire conditions across Utah. State officials said more than 75% of the state’s wildfires have been human caused, prompting temporary restrictions intended to reduce the risk of additional fires.
According to the governor’s office, the order temporarily gives municipalities the authority to determine whether safe areas can be designated for personal fireworks in consultation with local fire officials. The restrictions remain in effect through July 5, after which state officials will evaluate conditions before deciding whether similar measures are needed for Pioneer Day on July 24. The governor’s office said Utah is experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in recent history.
One of the largest ongoing fires in the state, the Cottonwood fire, has reached 92,000 acres.
Logan officials said the city had already been discussing possible restrictions because of dry conditions before the governor’s announcement.
“We’ve been discussing what we could do for some time, but the governor’s announcement made it an easy decision,” Anderson said.
While personal fireworks are prohibited, Logan City’s annual July 3 professional fireworks display will continue as scheduled. The governor’s executive order allows commercial firework shows to proceed if they have approved fire safety plans in place.
Residents who violate the fireworks restriction may face fines of up to $1,000 and can also be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs if illegal fireworks cause a wildfire, according to Logan City.
Although personal fireworks will not be permitted, city officials said Independence Day celebrations will continue through other community events. Logan City noted that multiple America250 activities are planned throughout Cache Valley during the holiday weekend in addition to the city’s professional fireworks show.
In a statement announcing the statewide restrictions, Cox acknowledged the decision would affect holiday traditions but said the current wildfire danger required additional precautions.
“When the people who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting Utah tell us that this year is different, we need to listen,” Cox said. “Our goal is to make sure our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5.”
Logan will continue to prohibit private fireworks within city limits during the Pioneer Day holiday.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s updated fireworks policy allows Utahns to discharge state-approved Class C common fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 22-25, with the exception of July 24, when fireworks may be used until midnight. Cities can still impose stricter restrictions based on local wildfire conditions.
Logan City announced through Instagram that it will maintain its restrictions on private firework use for the holiday.
“This is in keeping with the governor’s recent guidance and with the state forester’s approval,” Logan City said. “The fire danger in Cache Valley continues to be extremely high, as evidenced by a grass fire this week that very nearly got out of control.”
The city also thanked residents for following the fireworks restrictions during the Fourth of July holiday and asked the community to continue supporting the restrictions during Pioneer Day.
Logan is among several Utah cities that have prohibited personal fireworks during the Pioneer Day period because of continued wildfire concerns. Other Cache Valley communities, including Hyde Park, Millville, Providence and River Heights, have also prohibited personal fireworks, while other cities in the valley have designatedareas where fireworks may be discharged.
Firework shows such as the one in North Logan will continue as planned.