Scofield Council adopts temporary ban on aerial fireworks and sky lanterns over wildfire concerns

The Scofield Town Council on June 15, 2026, adopted Ordinance 6-15-2026, imposing an immediate temporary prohibition on the ignition or discharge of aerial fireworks and sky lanterns within designated areas of Scofield after the town’s declaration of hazardous environmental conditions.

That declaration, read into the record by the acting fire chief during the meeting, cited drought, elevated temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation and periodic winds as conditions that “materially increase the risk of wildfire ignition and spread.” The ordinance text read at the meeting defines “aerial fireworks” as consumer fireworks designed to rise or emit airborne projectiles and defines a “skyliner” as an unmanned device that uses heated air produced by an open flame to become airborne.

Under the ordinance, the prohibition applies to areas identified on a map incorporated by reference; the map was not physically present at the meeting but council members said it covers the town and will be provided to county officials and the sheriff’s office for notification and enforcement. Ground-based devices such as sparklers, smoke devices and novelty items that remain on the ground remain permitted unless state law prohibits them.

The ordinance states it will remain in effect until April 1, 2027, unless earlier modified, extended, or repealed by the Scofield Town Council. Violations are designated a Class B misdemeanor under the town municipal code, as set out in the ordinance text read at the meeting.

Council members discussed implementation steps at the meeting: posting informational signs at town entrances (members suggested copying state "Schedule 1" placards if issued by the state), and distributing the ordinance and map to the county sheriff and county offices. Council members noted a possible impending state-level Schedule 1 fire ban that could apply more broadly, but said a local ordinance provides needed authority if town conditions differ from surrounding jurisdictions.

The council moved to adopt the ordinance and the motion carried. The transcript records four votes in favor, none opposed, and one member absent; the ordinance became effective immediately upon adoption.

During the meeting a council member also reported a call from Matt Montoya saying reservoir water levels looked sufficient for a planned fireworks display, and another member relayed that Lane Miller reported strong turnout at a recent community festival and invited town representation at a planning meeting on June 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Price City Building.

The council adjourned at 7:05 p.m.