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County urges residents to skip personal fireworks as statewide ban and enforcement take effect
Summary
Deputy mayor Catherine told the council that a statewide ban on personal fireworks runs through July 5 in Salt Lake County and warned of heavy fines and civil liability for negligent fires; the sheriff's office said it will enforce restrictions in unincorporated areas.
Deputy Mayor Catherine, speaking for the mayor's office, told the council the governor has issued a statewide ban on personal fireworks through July 5 that covers all of Salt Lake County and that "no Salt Lake County municipality has opted out." She said campfires in unincorporated areas and on many state lands are also prohibited and that violations carry serious penalties: "A first firework violation carries [a] $1,000 fine, and those who negligently start a fire can face civil liability for suppression costs and property damages potentially in the millions."
Sheriff Rivera confirmed enforcement plans for unincorporated county areas, saying the sheriff's office "will be enforcing those restrictions" and that deputies will respond to illegal fireworks complaints. Deputy Mayor Catherine provided non-emergency reporting numbers for residents: (801) 799-3000 for Salt Lake City and Sandy, and (801) 840-4000 for other county areas, and urged people not to call 911 for non-emergencies. The county is also promoting alternatives — professional shows, drone displays and county pools — and will continue posting updates to county and UFA channels as conditions change.
Why it matters: county officials said human-caused fires are driving much of this season's activity and resources are strained; the public is being asked to avoid activities that could start catastrophic fires during a high-risk season. The guidance is time-limited and subject to extension depending on weather and fire behavior.
