Moab City Council adopts monthlong ban on personal fireworks amid dry conditions

Moab City Council voted June 30 to repeal Ordinance 2026-10 and adopt a new, temporary ordinance prohibiting the personal discharge of fireworks and open fires inside Moab city limits from July 1 through July 31, 2026.

The measure, moved by Jason and seconded by Tony, passed on a 5-0 voice vote after councilors and city staff described tinder-dry conditions across the valley and limited mutual-aid resources. City Attorney Nathan said the action builds on a recent governors emergency order that effectively banned fireworks statewide for the July 4 period and urged cities to consult fire chiefs about additional local restrictions.

"You can look outside just like the last time you guys met and it's smoky in the valley," said DJ, who told the council the department is prepared but could be inundated if multiple fires start at once. DJ said concentrating department resources on the sanctioned fireworks display "up on the hill" would be safer and that the chief retains authority to cancel the public show if wind or "red flag" conditions arise.

Lex, who described enforcement planning for the July period, said the ordinance (and state law) provides an infraction of up to $1,000. "I've asked them to take a zero tolerance approach to it," Lex said of officers patrolling neighborhoods; he said two to three extra officers will proactively patrol roughly 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on peak nights and urged residents to call dispatch with addresses of violations.

Nathan framed the legal basis for the ordinance: the mayor had earlier declared an emergency and the governor issued a statewide order for the July 4 period; under state law there are a small number of annual windows when private fireworks are permitted, and the city attorney said the town now meets the statutory criteria to extend prohibitions through July because of unusually dry conditions and watering restrictions. Nathan noted the ordinance quotes state definitions of fireworks so enforcement officers need not search state code during patrols.

Council discussion was brief. One councilor thanked firefighters and noted the strain on their families during deployments. Another councilor urged residents to "save" consumer fireworks for future permitted periods, such as New Year's Eve, if conditions allow.

The ordinance exempts authorized public fireworks displays but allows the chief to cancel a display when weather or fire conditions make it unsafe. Nathan and Lex said additional criminal charges, restitution or civil liability could apply if a persons conduct—such as reckless ignition—causes damage, and that those remedies exist under state law.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was introduced with the following language: repeal and replace Ordinance 2026-10 to reaffirm prohibitions on discharge of private fireworks in map areas subject to historically hazardous environmental conditions and to prohibit private fireworks and open fires within city boundaries from July 1 through July 31, 2026, pursuant to Code 15A-5-202.5. Jason moved; Tony seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

Next steps: the city will implement the enforcement staffing plan described by Lex and monitor conditions; the chief may cancel the sanctioned Fourth of July display if necessary.