Utah state officials have implemented sweeping restrictions on Fourth of July fireworks as an exceptionally dangerous wildfire season and extreme weather conditions push firefighting resources to their limits.
An extended drought, dried vegetation, and volatile weather have left the state vulnerable to human-caused ignitions, which account for more than three-quarters of Utah's wildfires this season.
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On Friday, forecasters issued a Level 3 "extremely critical" fire weather risk across Utah, northern Arizona, and eastern Nevada.
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning for central and southern Utah.
"Nothing about this decision was easy," said Gov. Spencer Cox.
"Utahns love celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends and fireworks. I do too.
But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they've never witnessed before."
The governor's office noted that historic drought and hundreds of wildfires have stretched emergency personnel.
Local leaders are working alongside fire officials to designate specific, safer areas where fireworks can still be permitted under local supervision.
"This is a temporary measure for an extraordinary year," said Cox.
"It protects lives and homes while allowing local leaders, working alongside their fire officials, to identify areas where fireworks can be used safely."
State authorities warned that anyone causing a wildfire through illegal actions could face criminal charges and significant civil liability.
