Draper residents planning to light fireworks for Pioneer Day won't be able to this year. Fire Chief Clint Smith and Mayor Troy Walker have decided to ban all personal fireworks citywide from Wednesday, July 22, through Saturday, July 25, citing extreme wildfire danger that recent rain hasn't eased.

The ban covers everything classified as "Division 1.4G common state-approved explosives" under Utah State Code 53-7-202, the legal definition for consumer-grade fireworks sold at stands across the valley.

The decision follows a Monday, July 20, order from the Utah State Forester granting individual cities authority to set their own restrictions based on local conditions. Nearly 95% of Utah is in severe or worse drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with extreme drought covering the eastern half of Salt Lake County.

"The Wasatch Front has not had much moisture at all," Gov. Spencer Cox said Monday, July 20, when he announced the hybrid Pioneer Day fireworks policy. "We're still as bad or maybe worse than we were on July 4 in some cities; much better off in others."

In its July 21 announcement, the city said even with rain in the forecast, any precipitation will not reverse the cumulative effects of this summer's heat, wind, and drought. Officials pointed to success during the July 4 holiday window, when a statewide ban was in effect: zero fire starts and a substantial decrease in illegal fireworks use.

Draper's application to the State Forester for formal approval of the ban was still pending as of Tuesday, July 22. The city said it expects confirmation Wednesday and will update its website once the response arrives.

Violations carry fines up to $1,000. Residents who start fires with illegal fireworks may also face criminal charges and liability for firefighting costs.

The city has particular reason for caution. In 2020, fireworks in a restricted area sparked the Traverse Mountain Fire, forcing evacuations across Draper. No structures were lost, but the scare underscored the risk posed by the city's open space along the Wasatch Front.

State Forester Jamie Barnes said Monday, July 20, that the hybrid approach "gives communities flexibility while ensuring we can quickly implement additional restrictions where local fire conditions warrant them."

Alternatives and resources: Draper Days offered professional alternatives earlier in the holiday stretch, including a supervised fireworks show at Draper Park on Saturday, July 18, and a drone show on Friday, July 17. For wildfire safety tips, the city directs residents to UtahFireSense.org. Emergency alerts are available through Notify Draper at draperutah.gov.