Utah governor orders ban on fireworks as wildfires rage across state
Summary
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency and banned personal fireworks in the state until July 5 due to severe wildfires. The ban allows local fire officials to permit fireworks only if conditions are safe, as the fires have caused evacuations and major damage.Key Facts
- Utah is facing an intense wildfire season with nine active fires burning over 143,000 acres.
- The governor issued an order banning personal fireworks statewide until July 5, suspending a 2024 law limiting such bans in cities.
- Local fire chiefs can allow fireworks in certain areas if weather conditions improve.
- Human activity caused most of Utah’s 373 wildfires this year, with only 100 started by natural causes.
- The Cottonwood fire is the state’s most destructive wildfire ever, burning nearly 72,000 acres and not yet contained.
- The fire has led to the closure of Eagle Point ski resort and damaged multiple buildings nearby.
- Salt Lake City’s weather service issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning due to fire risk.
- Smoke from the fires is affecting air quality even at distant national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.
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