ST. GEORGE — The term bigger and better might apply to this year’s Fourth of July celebration in Southern Utah.
After years where either the pandemic or excessively dry conditions forced more restrictions on how and where people could use fireworks, as well as scaled-down celebrations, all of that is in the rear-view mirror.
Many local cities have lifted some restrictions, allowing more residential fireworks in areas beyond city parks. And many public displays that were postponed a year ago in extreme drought conditions are on again, thanks to a wet winter.
Per state law, each city can set its own restrictions on places, dates and times fireworks can be used. But state law does not allow for a municipality to ban the use of holiday fireworks entirely. Though the state government has yet to enforce its own rule, many cities – including some in Southern Utah – have mandated full bans anyway.
The state government also sets which fireworks are legal to use by the general public and which are not, though cities can add additional restrictions.
As far as asking which fireworks are legal in Utah, it’s more of a case of asking which are not.
All “Class C” fireworks are legal in Utah with the exception of those listed by the state as “dangerous explosives” in legislation passed and signed by then-Gov. Gary Herbert in 2011.
This does include some aerial fireworks that can go as high as 150 feet, such as multiple tube, repeater or cakes with under 500 grams of pyrotechnics lit by a single fuse.
A good rule of thumb: A way to guarantee a firework being used for the home display is legal is to buy it in Utah.
As for when the same fireworks can be purchased and used in all of Utah, the dates they can be on sale are June 24-July 25 and Dec. 29-31, according to the Utah State Fire Marshall. While cities are likely to place additional restrictions on dates and hours, they can’t actually be used except for July 2-5, July 22-25 and Dec. 31 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.), with those hours extended to midnight for the July holidays and to 1 a.m. for New Year’s Eve.
Below is a list of specific fireworks available for purchase that are legal to use in the state of Utah, according to state code, as well as those that are illegal. Also included is a listing of the restrictions, if any, in most local cities as well as where there will be large public displays and fireworks shows for the Independence Day holiday.
Fireworks banned in Utah
- A firecracker, cannon cracker, ground salute, M-80, cherry bomb or similar explosive that mainly makes a loud bang, rather than a visual effect.
- Fireworks utilizing a skyrocket or other missile-type rocket including Roman candles and bottle rockets as well as any rocket mounted on a wire or stick.
- A single shot or reloadable shell.
- An aerial salute, such as flash shells and comets, which mainly make a loud bang, rather than a visual effect.
- A cake firework containing more than 500 grams of pyrotechnics
Washington County
St. George
There isn’t a lack of Fourth of July events in the largest city in Southern Utah this year.
As always, St. George is home to the largest Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display in Southern Utah: The KONY Country 4th of July Celebration. But this year, it’s a little bigger as it features a very familiar name in country music: Kelsea Ballerini.
The multiple-award winner who had the biggest debut on the country scene since Carrie Underwood will, using part of the title of one of her most popular songs, perform like “she means it” at Utah Tech’s Greater Zion Stadium just before the area’s biggest fireworks display Tuesday night.
And if that isn’t big enough, a Tribute to America featuring popular piano recording artist William Joseph and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Daniel Emmet will serve as the warm-up to Ballerini and the fireworks at the 7 p.m. event, with gates opening at 6 p.m.
The fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. If not in the stadium, have a radio handy: The show will be in sync with narration and music that will be broadcast on KONY Country 99.9-FM and in the stadium.
“From your backyard to the many viewpoints around the valley, we invite all of Southern Utah to enjoy the largest and most patriotic fireworks presentation our community has ever seen,” Canyon Media General Manager Ben Lindquist said.
Canyon Media is the parent company of both St. George News and KONY.
“We anticipate a great crowd and we always see a large walk-up crowd each year,” Lindquist said Wednesday. “Tickets are still available right now.”
Tickets to be inside the stadium for the full concert experience are dwindling by the hour. All of the reserved seats in the main section are sold out, though first-come, first-serve tickets on the sides of the main stand are still available for $69 each. There are also a low number of $52.50 tickets remaining to sit in the east stand or on the field.
For those putting on their own mini-fireworks displays, St. George has restricted fireworks usage to certain neighborhoods and parks. And not every park will be a fireworks zone.
The city has published an interactive map that can be accessed here that includes the 18 city parks where fireworks can be used. A good rule of thumb: If you’re near the hills or amid vegetation, fireworks may not be workable.
The largest restricted areas are the open area between Tuweap Drive and Warrior Way, all of Tech Ridge and the Black Hill area, Cottonwood Cove Park, Town Square Park, the Dixie Sunbowl, Pioneer Park, along Red Hills Parkway and much of the area north of St. George Boulevard and east of 100 East.
In addition, no fireworks are permitted within 200 feet of dry washes and drainages, river and stream corridors, hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops and undeveloped open space or natural terrain.
Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper also are prohibited in St. George. Also banned are residential bonfires unless it is in an area pre-approved by the fire department.
Those violating any of the restrictions face up to a $1,000 fine.
Even before July 4, Town Square Park in Downtown St. George is being turned into a large Fourth of July theme park from Friday to Tuesday including a carnival with rides, food, inflatables, games and live events that will include a hot dog eating contest, a “Star Search” talent show and music. Also featured will be the annual Fourth of July Parade and Uncle Sam 4K on Tuesday morning.
For more information on all of the Town Square Park festivities, including tickets for unlimited rides, go to this link.
Brian Head
After a year away, the fireworks will be back in Brian Head.
After last year’s restrictions banned the use of fireworks by both residents and at the annual Brian Head Resort Fourth of July Celebration, there are no such restrictions this year.
The ticketed holiday festivities at the resort will stretch out over four days from Saturday to Tuesday starting at 11 a.m. each day and lasting into the night. The festivities will culminate with a fireworks show at sunset on Tuesday. Tickets are $10 and available at this link.
Enterprise
The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used.
As is tradition, the city plans to fire its own fireworks show from the city offices at 10 p.m. July 4 that should be seen throughout the area.
Hurricane
Discharge of consumer fireworks is permitted at four designated sites: The Spillsbury Sports Complex (803 N. 200 West), American Legion Sports Complex (802 N. 200 West), Three Falls Park (889 S. 700 West) and Dixie Springs Park 3605 2900 South).
Discharge of fireworks in residential areas is prohibited.
What isn’t prohibited is a free Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Sand Hollow State Park. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the fireworks accompanied by recorded music beginning at 10 p.m.
Hurricane is also hosting several Independence Day events from morning to night throughout the city. This includes a parade starting at 8:30 a.m., at Main Street and 300 South and free admission at the Hurricane City Pool.
Ivins
After limiting consumer fireworks to city parks the last two years, residents are getting a little more freedom to do their own displays this year. However, neighborhoods that are allowed to use fireworks are limited mostly to the center of town in an area bordered by 400 East, 200 North, 400 West and Pioneer Parkway.
A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper are prohibited in Ivins.
There are no Independence Day public fireworks displays, parades or events in Ivins this year. Tuacahn Amphitheater is also not having a display this year.
LaVerkin
Per local ordinance, LaVerkin’s fireworks restrictions change yearly based on which of four “stages” is announced by the City Council.
This year, Stage 2 was declared with some minimal restrictions. Fireworks in the city are permitted on any city street as long as it is at least 100 feet from any hillside, as well as at Wanlass Park (320 N. Main St.) and Riverwood Park (314 W. 900 North).
While there will not be a public fireworks display in the city, there will be an Independence Day Parade on Main Street at 8 a.m., followed by games and festivities at Wanlass Park.
Santa Clara
While there are some areas that are restricted from fireworks usage — especially along Santa Clara Drive — fireworks are mostly allowed north of Crestview Drive and south of Pioneer Parkway. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
In addition, along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper are also prohibited.
There are no public fireworks shows or events scheduled within city limits.
Springdale
After restrictions on residential fireworks the last two years, there are no such restrictions this year.
There is no public fireworks display, but there will be a parade at 9 a.m., between Lion Boulevard and Canyon Springs Drive
Toquerville
After restricting residential fireworks in the last two years, there are no such restrictions in Toquerville this year.
Toquerville is also ringing in the nation’s birthday with cruising, and pots and pans. A parade starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday at Center Street Park will feature kids clanging on pots and pans as well as a “Cruis-in-Crawl” with invited vintage vehicles. This will be followed by games and festivities throughout the day at the park.
Washington City
Fireworks are permitted in many of the residential areas of Washington City, though restricted in hillside areas.
A map of the restricted and unrestricted areas can be found here.
There aren’t any public Fourth of July events or displays, but Washington City isn´t known as much for the first patriotic holiday in July as it is for the second.
One of the larger Pioneer Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the area is once again planned for the Washington City Community Center on July 24.
Zion National Park
Park officials are urging people looking to visit the park for the Fourth of July weekend to plan ahead, as it is one of the busiest times of the year for visitors. The entrances to the park may be closed at times over the holiday weekend and the holiday itself.
Visitors are asked to check this site over the holiday weekend to ensure they will be able to enter the park.
There are no public fireworks displays within the park and it is illegal for campers to fire them within the park.
Iron County
Cedar City
While the Cedar City Fire Department released a statement that discouraged personal firework use “as it can be life-threatening in a variety of ways,” fireworks are allowed in much of the city. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
The city also has set up several recommended areas to set off fireworks, including: the south parking lot of Cedar High School; Iron Springs Elementary parking lot; Canyon View High School parking lot; and the Aquatic Center parking lot. In addition, the street between the Bicentennial Soccer Complex parking lots will be closed to traffic for the use of fireworks on the state discharge dates.
Cedar City’s leadership released a statement Wednesday saying that the best option may be to “leave it to the professionals” and take in the big public display at Cedar City Airport.
“We encourage the community to enjoy Cedar City’s professional firework show on July Fourth rather than using personal fireworks, ” the statement from the city read.
That Cedar City Airport show Tuesday is expected to start “after dark,” according to the city, at some point between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Enoch
Fireworks are not allowed in any area within Enoch city limits per an ordinance passed in 2012 except for two designated areas: the Enoch City Office paved parking lot at 900 E. Midvalley Road and the Enoch Elementary School west paved parking lot on Tomahawk Drive.
Enoch isn’t holding a public fireworks show on July Fourth, but there will still be taste buds on fire. The annual “Wings of Death” hot wings food eating contest will take place at 6 p.m. at Old Enoch Park, 1600 E. 5250 North.
There will be a fireworks show at the same park on July 24 for Pioneer Day.
Parowan
The city only allows consumer fireworks to be shot off at one site: Lions Park at 145 S. 300 East from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.
But there will be plenty of Independence Day festivities throughout the day in town, including a big public fireworks display at the end of the day.
A parade on Main Street starts at 10 a.m., and games and activities will follow at the City Park in the middle of town. By nightfall, the action moves to the Iron County Fairgrounds down the road for fireworks that begin at dusk.
Beaver County
Beaver
The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used.
A free Independence Day bash with fireworks at dusk will start at 7 p.m., at the Tushar Mountain 4 Plex (826 E. 600 North) that will include a live band, foam machine and free hot dogs.
Garfield County
Bryce Canyon City
The setting off of any consumer fireworks is prohibited in Bryce Canyon City as well as nearby Tropic except for two designated sites: The Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds at 115 E. 100 North and the Tropic baseball fields on W. 100 South.
A free public fireworks show will also take place at the rodeo grounds at 10 p.m.
Panguitch
According to city code, both the use and sale of consumer fireworks are banned in Panguitch with the exception of sparklers.
What isn’t restricted is a free Independence Day fireworks show put on by the city at the Triple C Arena at 50 800 North scheduled to take place at dusk.
Earlier in the day, a children’s parade will start at the Main Street Courthouse at 10 a.m., followed by a children’s foot race at Panguitch City Park at 11 a.m.
Kane County
Kanab
Legal fireworks use is restricted to a small area of Kanab, but Independence Day is anything but small in Kanab, which is holding Fourth of July events from dawn to midnight including two public fireworks shows.
Touted as the “best small-town Independence Day celebration in the country,” it will start off with a bang at 6 a.m. with cannon fireworks being launched near the center of town. From there, Kanab holds a Fourth of July parade starting at 10 a.m. on Center Street after a 5K run. The festivities move on to Jacob Hamblin Park (566 N. 100 East) for daylong entertainment and food before ending with a large fireworks show above the mesas after dusk.
For those who want to join in with their own fireworks, they will be limited to all areas south of 750 South, west of 300 West and east of 600 East. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
Arizona
Littlefield/Beaver Dam
Fireworks are prohibited in all areas of Littlefield and Beaver Dam as an unincorporated area of Mohave County.
Nevada
Mesquite
Consumer fireworks are permitted in all areas of the city as long as they don’t “endanger persons, buildings, structures, property, brush, automotive vehicles and/or equipment,” city ordinance says.
However, unlike Utah, no aerial consumer fireworks are permitted in Mesquite. Also differing from 40 miles up north, sparklers more than 10 inches in length and fireworks that travel more than 10 feet on the ground are not permitted.
Where Mesquite is more lenient is there is no time limit for when fireworks can be used but it is still limited to June 21-July 4 and Dec. 28-Jan. 1.
Those violating the fireworks ordinance are subject to as much as a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
One way to see bombs bursting in the air without jail time is to leave it to the experts at the “Rockets over Red Mesa” show outside the Eureka Casino Resort on the Fourth. Fireworks will be launched from the mesa behind the casino at 9 p.m. PDT and a patriotic playlist will accompany the fireworks and be broadcast on 88.1 FM.
Fireworks safety tips courtesy of the City of St. George.
- Use only fireworks purchased in Utah from licensed dealers or retailers. If you purchased the fireworks out of state, they are more than likely not legal in Utah. You will be cited if caught and will be responsible to pay for any damages and the cost to extinguish any fires that you cause.
- Use only with responsible adult supervision at all times.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Light the fireworks in an open area and on a non-combustible surface such as a driveway or paved area.
- If windy conditions exist do not light fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water available.
- Handle used and “dud” fireworks with a shovel.
- Soak fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water or hose prior to disposal.
- Keep clear while lighting fireworks do not lean over them at any time.
- Do not relight “dud” fireworks.
- Watch out for your pets and animals. Preferably keep them indoors and away from the displays.
- Check for any restrictions that may apply to your area.
Treat fireworks-caused injuries, from Intermountain Healthcare:
What is the first thing I should do if a burn occurs?
The most important thing to do first is to make sure it is clean and dry. In all cases, you should be able to use a mild soap and lukewarm water to clean and sanitize the wound.
Are topical ointments recommended?
Using Neosporin or other topical ointment isn’t necessarily required in all situations. Sometimes, using it excessively can keep the wound moist and can delay the healing process to some degree. If you initially cleaned the wound and can keep it clean and dry, you may not need an antibiotic ointment at all.
How can I manage the pain if I’ve been burned?
Most individuals with burns can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol at the recommended over-the-counter dosage to manage pain. There are also some topical pain relievers that can be used, such as burn-free wipes; which have a light dose of numbing medication in them. Always be sure to follow the guidelines provided on the packaging of the pain-relieving medications.
When should I seek the help of a physician or practitioner for my burn?
As a general guideline, if the size of the wound is bigger than the palm of your hand it may need a second opinion or further evaluation. If the burn occurs around the eyes, nose, ears, toes, and fingers, regardless of size, it’s recommended that a practitioner evaluate you – as the wound may become problematic. Lastly, if you notice symptoms of the wound becoming infected (i.e. increased pain, fever, streaking redness, etc.) you should see a physician
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