Utah bans fireworks as largest US wildfire grows in the west

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency and imposed temporary statewide fireworks restrictions through July 5, 2026, as the Cottonwood Fire became the largest active wildfire in the United States and dangerous weather spread risk across the western U.S. The order gives State Forester Jamie Barnes authority to prohibit fireworks in cities ahead of Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

More than 140,000 acres have burned in Utah this season, with over 75% of wildfires human-caused. Forecasters issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning—the first of its kind from the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City—signaling that dry fuels, low humidity, and high winds could drive rapid fire growth.

Key Takeaways

• Utah's executive order restricts fireworks statewide through July 5, 2026, with municipalities able to designate limited safe zones in consultation with local fire officials.
• The Cottonwood Fire near Beaver has burned tens of thousands of acres at 0% containment, damaged Eagle Point ski resort, and ranks as the nation's largest active wildfire.
• Red flag warnings stretched across the western U.S. from Idaho to southern Arizona and New Mexico as drought and wind hampered firefighting.
• Human-caused ignitions account for more than three-quarters of Utah's 2026 wildfires, raising stakes for property owners and insurers ahead of the holiday weekend.
• State officials will reassess restrictions before Utah's July 24 Pioneer Day celebrations.

Why did Utah declare a state of emergency now?

Gov. Cox announced the emergency declaration on June 25, 2026, as Utah faced what he called one of the most dangerous fire seasons in state history. Speaking in Salt Lake City, Cox said more than 140,000 acres had burned before July, with hundreds of wildfires straining crews across the state.

The executive order suspends existing statutes so Barnes can prohibit fireworks within municipal boundaries—not only on state and unincorporated lands. Cox initially said he lacked authority for a blanket ban; the emergency declaration changed that legal landscape.

"This is life or death stuff," Cox said, warning that multiple fire starts in populated valleys over the July 3–5 weekend could overwhelm response capacity. The statewide default is no personal fireworks allowed, though cities may work with fire officials to carve out supervised exceptions.

What is the Cottonwood Fire and why does it matter nationally?

The Cottonwood Fire started Monday near Beaver in southern Utah and grew rapidly under gusty winds and critically dry vegetation. By Friday, June 26, forestry officials said it had reached roughly 72,000 acres and nearly 111 square miles, with 0% containment—making it the largest active wildfire in the country.

It is one of six large wildfires burning across Utah. The blaze severely damaged Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County and forced mandatory evacuations. Roughly 700 residents of Eureka had been under evacuation orders since June 20 before some began returning home.

State Forester Barnes called the Cottonwood Fire likely the most destructive and costly in Utah history. Federal land managers closed public lands near the fire as a precaution. For homeowners, business operators, and investors tracking wealth hacks and passive income tied to western real estate or recreation assets, concentrated losses at a ski resort underscore how quickly wildfire can erase physical and revenue-generating property.

What does the 'particularly dangerous situation' warning mean?

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued its first formal "particularly dangerous situation" (PDS) red flag warning for portions of central and southern Utah, including areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire. The agency said on social media it was the first PDS red flag warning it had issued since the category was formalized.

Forecasters warned of humidity below 10%, wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, and very dry fuels—conditions that can produce extreme, life-threatening fire behavior. NWS meteorologist Jason Stroud told The Washington Post the combination of weather effects over the following 48 hours was "extremely concerning."

Broader red flag warnings on Friday stretched across the western United States from Idaho through southern Arizona and New Mexico, according to PBS NewsHour. Dangerous weather grounded air support on the Cottonwood Fire and complicated efforts to contain new starts elsewhere in the region.

How will fireworks restrictions work through July Fourth?

Cox's order applies temporary restrictions through July 5, 2026, as the nation prepares for Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Typically, Utah allows fireworks purchases and use between June 24 and July 25; this year officials said conditions demand a different approach.

Under the order, Barnes can restrict or prohibit fireworks displays in Utah communities rather than leaving every decision to local governments alone. Provo announced a complete ban excluding permitted events such as Stadium of Fire. Herriman banned personal fireworks through July 21 while allowing some professional displays. Park City banned fireworks and planned a drone show instead.

Utah also moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions starting June 26, prohibiting open fires, campfires in pits, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and other ignition sources on affected lands. Officials said they will evaluate whether additional limits are needed before Pioneer Day on July 24.

What should western residents protect before peak fire season?

Utah's crisis arrives as much of the West faces severe to extreme drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows widespread dry conditions across Utah, with parts of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico also under stress. Prolonged drought and low humidity mean even small human ignitions—including fireworks, equipment sparks, or discarded materials—can escalate fast.

State officials urge residents to check local restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts, report wildfires immediately, and follow evacuation orders. Law enforcement is pursuing charges against people suspected of starting fires. For property owners, documenting assets, reviewing insurance coverage for wildfire and smoke damage, and maintaining defensible space around structures are practical steps when red flag warnings blanket the region.

Cox said the fireworks order could ease if a wet monsoon arrives in July. Until conditions improve, the western fire picture points to a high-stakes holiday weekend where protecting lives, homes, and local economies depends on limiting preventable sparks—and on crews containing a record-setting blaze that still burns unchecked.