The private use of all fireworks has been banned by Utah State Forester Dick Buehler as of midnight on Thursday, June 27, in unincorporated state and private lands in Summit County as well as unincorporated areas in the following counties: Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Juab, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Salt Lake, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch and Wayne.

The ban does not apply to such fireworks as sparklers and snakes. Also exempt are professional pyrotechnic displays that are overseen by fire department officials.

The setting of open fires of any kind are also banned, other than those lit in “improved campgrounds, picnic areas, or residential structures,” according to Buehler’s letter.

Summit County Fire Warden Bryce Boyer said at Wednesday’s Summit County Council meeting that he expects a statewide open fire ban in “one to two weeks.” Such a decision would come from the State Forester.

Also banned according to Buehler’s order:

  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared to mineral soil.
  • Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including explosive targets.
  • Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation.

    The order does not affect incorporated towns and cities, however, there remains a ban on open fires and fireworks in Park City.

    The decision was made by Buehler due to current and forecasted dry weather conditions and lack of precipitation. On June 24, the National Weather Service also issued a Red Flag Warning for Summit County, likely to last until the end of the week.