SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and other local leaders urged state residents Wednesday to forgo using personal fireworks this summer as the state faces a historic drought.
Cox and more than 30 Utah city mayors and council members called on people to instead celebrate July Fourth and Pioneer Day at public celebrations sponsored by Utah communities.
“With this year’s extremely dry conditions, all it takes is one spark to set off a life-threatening blaze,” Cox said. “We love our great nation and state, but there are much better ways to celebrate our independence and heritage than personal fireworks this year. Please celebrate safely!”
Several Utah cities are banning people from setting off their own fireworks this year during the record drought, but many Republicans are against a statewide prohibition. Fireworks are banned on all state and unincorporated business lands, but Cox lacks the authority to impose a statewide ban.
Salt Lake City issued a fireworks ban and open burning ban last week, which prohibits people from starting any fires outside.
The Utah State Legislature has confirmed they will not impose a state fireworks mandate in Utah.
