Fireworks banned in most areas, 2014 restrictions guide

WASHINGTON COUNTY — Due to extremely high fire danger during fireworks season, a widespread ban has been placed on fireworks across the majority of southwest Utah and the adjacent counties in Nevada and Arizona, particularly on public lands and neighborhoods proximate to open spaces. There are specified zones within some cities and towns as indicated in this article where fireworks may be enjoyed; other than those, fireworks are restricted.

Each municipality’s fireworks restrictions are listed below, as available at publication. Additional restrictions will be added to this report as they become available.

Nearly all open spaces and undeveloped land have bans on fireworks including federal and state administered public lands, and privately owned unincorporated land. This includes:

  • National Parks
  • State Parks
  • Bureau of Land Management administered land
  • National Forest Service administered land
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs administered land
  • Unincorporated privately owned land

In most cases, people responsible for igniting fires due to illegal fireworks use are subject to prosecution and fire suppression costs.

In general, Utah law specifies that only class-C consumer fireworks can be used or sold. State laws use two classifications of fireworks – those sold by state approved vendors and those which are dangerous explosives – including the likes of firecrackers, M-80s, cherry bombs and all sorts of aerials, roman candles and rockets. For more detail see the state law here

Also, in Utah, fireworks are allowed to be purchased only between June 23 and July 27 and again between Dec. 29 and 31. Fireworks are only allowed to be discharged by citizens between July 1 and 7, and again between July 21 and July 27. During these periods, firework discharge is legal between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., except for July 4 and 24, when fireworks can be discharged for an extra hour until midnight.

St. George, Ivins and Santa Clara

No fireworks of any kind are to be used within 250 feet of the following areas:

  • Dry washes and drainages
  • River and stream corridors
  • Hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops
  • Undeveloped open space or natural terrain
  • Ivins city further banned firework use anywhere west of 400 West.

St. George’s restrictions run from July 1–31. Santa Clara and Ivins will restrict fireworks until further notice.

St. George City fireworks restrictions map – shows areas of the city where fireworks are permitted as well as restricted areas

Santa Clara City fireworks restrictions map – shows areas of the city where fireworks are permitted as well as restricted areas

Washington City

As of June 27, Washington City has not implemented any fireworks restrictions.

Hurricane, LaVerkin and Toquerville

Fireworks are allowed only in the following locations, between July 1-7 and July 21-27:

  • Hurricane: Spilsbury Park Ball Fields, Three Falls Park, American Legion Ball Fields
  • LaVerkin: Wanless Park, Vintage Park
  • Toquerville: Center Street Park

Virgin

All fireworks are banned within the  entire incorporated city limits.

Enterprise

No bans, but city officials are asking residents to be mindful of their location when launching fireworks and recommend that residents try to keep them in a safe area where water is easily accessible.

Cedar City

Although the city does not presently have any banned areas, city officials recommend that fireworks be ignited from three locations, which will be prepared for fireworks use: Cedar City High School, Canyon View High School and the Aquatic Center. Officials are also asking residents to use extreme caution, and remember that residents are liable for any fires that start from fireworks.

Kanab

Fireworks are banned west of 300 West, east of 600 East and South of Kanab Creek Drive. Fireworks are also banned in the Cedar Heights area and the Kanab Creek Ranchos. Kanab officials also would like to remind residents that fireworks are only allowed four days before the Fourth of July and four days after. The same restrictions apply for Pioneer Day later on this month.

Springdale

The Town Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting all class-C fireworks and all open fires on all land within the Springdale town boundaries. This prohibition will last from June 30-September 15.

Ed. note: Lead paragraph clarified to indicate there are areas of some municipalities where fireworks are permitted.

New Harmony

Absolutely no fireworks in the New Harmony area.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

 

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16 Comments

  • [email protected] July 1, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    Drew. Seriously don’t write such a misleading article, bottom line is the restrictions in southern Utah are not at all restrictive, if anyone wants to know what the restrictions are go to your cities website they very clearly state the restrictions, which are basically 90% can light fireworks in front of their house., get the real story apparently don’t trust St George news they are just trying to confuse the public. Enjoy your firework party complete with family, friends and fireworks.

    • Avatar photo Joyce Kuzmanic July 1, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Mary, I’m wondering if you’re thinking of the state statute? Local restrictions have been instituted in many areas that have not yet been posted on all of the cities’ websites – thus we contacted these to put them all together in one place for you. It’s important to note that the local restrictions will control even if the state statute is less restrictive. If you refer to the sections listed in this report, you’ll find the particulars for each city and town. Some even have links to maps that indicate restricted and permitted areas.
      We agree with you that fireworks are a wonderful and vital tradition as we celebrate Independence day – watch for our report forthcoming providing details on public displays that you might enjoy as an alternative.
      ST. GEORGE NEWS | STGnews.com
      Joyce Kuzmanic
      Editor in Chief

  • utahbiller July 1, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    It’s 104 degrees at 8:30 pm and everything is brown and dry. Why would anyone be playing with fireworks?

    • Jen Lindley July 2, 2014 at 1:29 am

      A few people were kind enough to tell me that they will be setting off Fireworks this month and their reasons. Here are some of the best ones:

      “Cause I gots me a truck and some a them firewerks and my … guns! Aint no gubmint ocifer gun told me what i aint be done.
      ~Cliven Bundy Supporters~

      OH MY HECK! THERE ARE JUST SO MANY RESTRICTIONS THIS YEAR! i KNOW THESE POSE A SERIOUS FIRE DANGER IN THIS DESERT BUT iM THE BISHOP (OR BISHOPS WIFE, DAUGHTER, SON, GRAND CHILD, SECOND COUSIN TWICE REMOVED, ETC) OF THE 347TH WARD SO IT WONT HAPPEN TO ME!
      ~Mormons~

      The fire restrictions placed by Obama and his liberal Muslim cronies in Chicago are just lies. LIES! Americans have been setting off fireworks since the Constitution was ratified and we have yet to see one fire caused by a firework. Any attempt to prove otherwise is just another liberal attempt to take away our constitutionally protected right to blow stuff up.
      ~Republicans~

      Ed. ellipsis.

      • Steve July 4, 2014 at 8:48 am

        Typical hypocrite saying Republicans are “shaming”and “name calling” in the gay marriage article last week, and now you post this. Way to go Jen!

      • Barre July 4, 2014 at 10:10 am

        Jen. You need to go back to California. I am sure you would be happier there.

      • Jen Lindley July 5, 2014 at 9:42 pm

        Wow you guys both need lessons in how to decipher sarcasm.

    • Dana July 2, 2014 at 5:21 am

      Exactly. Why is it even legal? This is the second driest state with serious water issues and out lawmakers don’t have the spine to ban fireworks. It’s all about $$$.

  • Glock July 1, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Its the 4th of July maybe? Yea. Thought that was kind of a no brainer why we would light fireworks.

    • Ron July 2, 2014 at 8:04 am

      You’re right about that, Glock. Only a “no-brainer” would think it’s a good idea to light fireworks in drought conditions.

  • Get real July 2, 2014 at 12:02 am

    Mary is right. Nothing says let’s have fun and celebrate our country like blowing up a bunch of crap made in China. Besides, it’s not like we live in the desert, in the summer, under a severe drought, or anything…………

  • EL JEFE July 2, 2014 at 8:30 am

    Awhh….come on now guys. Just have a “blast” this 4th. of July.
    And if you say fireworks are NOT a fire risk….july. Hehehe…

  • Delong July 3, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Thanks for posting the correct restrictions for the incorporated cities. Once again, the Spectrum is posting inaccurate and bad info about the use of fireworks. Imagine that… Ha ha

  • Barre July 4, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Jen. Maybe you need to go back to California. I am sure you would be much happier there and leave all of us normal people alone.

    • Matthew Sevald July 4, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Mormons and Utards aren’t exactly “normal people” Barre.

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