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Council signals support to maintain fireworks restrictions if statewide ban is extended
Summary
Midvale councilors told staff they favor keeping the July 4 geographic and time restrictions in place if the governor extends the statewide fireworks ban for Pioneer Day; staff noted the mayor and fire chief share authority to set local restricted zones under the executive order.
Midvale City Council on July 7 discussed how the city would handle a possible extension of the governor's temporary fireworks ban into the Pioneer Day holiday window and generally signaled support for maintaining restrictive zones rather than creating additional "safe areas."
City Manager Matt Dahl reviewed the executive order and guidance from the state forester that enabled a temporary restriction covering July 2–5 and that could be extended for Pioneer Day; the order allows the mayor in consultation with the fire chief to set geographic zones and, where authorized, time windows. Dahl and staff emphasized the order addresses where fireworks may occur and does not permit local governments to create product‑type bans beyond existing law.
Several council members said their residents had thanked them for the July 4 restrictions and they preferred to retain the same limits rather than reopen options for safe discharge areas. Council members observed drought and heat dome conditions and expressed concern about increasing fire risk. Staff clarified the city may add limited additional restricted areas if they meet specified conditions and recommended any modifications be coordinated with the Unified Fire Authority.
No binding ordinance was adopted; the discussion provided guidance that, if the state extends the ban with similar terms, Midvale's leadership intends to keep the local restrictions in place and rely on the mayor and fire chief to finalize any specific map or time changes.
