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Toquerville council bans personal fireworks for July 4 amid extreme fire danger
Summary
Faced with high fire danger and ongoing wildland deployments, Toquerville officials voted to amend a local resolution and prohibit personal fireworks on July 4; enforcement will be led by the Washington County Sheriff with citations as a class B misdemeanor and up to a $1,000 fine.
Toquerville — The city council voted to amend its fireworks resolution and prohibit personal fireworks on July 4, citing extreme fire danger and ongoing wildland deployments.
The city's fire chief, Chief Decker, told the council that after reviewing fuel conditions and state guidance “we've made the decision to just ban personal fireworks this year.” He said the state executive order expires July 5 at midnight but state code already bans fireworks from July 6 through the 24th; the state forester may reassess around July 20.
Why it matters: Councilors said they weighed public celebration against the risk to firefighters and property as multiple large fires persist in the western states. Enforcement and consequences were central to discussion: Chief Decker said the Washington County Sheriff's Office is the primary citing authority for personal-fireworks violations and that the sheriff’s office raised penalties this year to a class B misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine. He also warned that anyone who starts a fire may be charged for suppression costs and damages and that cost‑recovery actions are possible.
Council action: The council moved to update Resolution 2026.13 to match current practice and state direction. A motion to approve the amended resolution passed in open session; the council confirmed there would be no fireworks in Toquerville on July 4. Staff noted that if the governor does not reissue an executive order the city’s resolution will determine allowable dates up through July 24 as previously adopted.
What happens next: City staff said they will post the updated resolution and coordinate outreach for the July 4 community event, encouraging alternative, non-flammable celebrations. The sheriff’s office will have extra patrols on July 4 and residents were advised to call 911 for active fire or life-safety emergencies and non-emergency dispatch for other concerns.
Sources: Remarks by Chief Decker and council debate during the Toquerville City Council meeting.
