The human-caused Stookey Fire near Vernon grew to approximately 9,500 acres as of Tuesday, July 14, after overnight winds pushed the blaze north and northwest, according to Utah Fire Info. Communities along the fire's east side have been placed in "Ready" status, and extreme fire behavior in juniper stands has forced ground crews to pull back in some areas.
The growing fire underscores the conditions behind a question Draper residents are watching closely: will the city extend its personal fireworks ban through Pioneer Day?
Draper City has not yet posted an answer. The city's fireworks page states an update will come ahead of Wednesday, July 22, when the Pioneer Day discharge window opens. No update had been published as of July 14.
How Draper got here
Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order banning personal fireworks statewide for the July 2–5 Independence Day window, citing extreme wildfire danger and a state of emergency. Draper and every other city in Salt Lake County followed suit.
State forester Jamie Barnes said conditions ahead of the Pioneer Day window, which runs Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 25, will determine whether a similar order is issued.
"We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they've never witnessed before," Cox said when announcing the Independence Day ban.
What's at stake for Draper
Draper sits in a high-risk fire area because of extensive open space within and bordering city limits, according to the city's fire department. In 2020, residents were evacuated during the Traverse Mountain Fire, which was started by fireworks in a restricted area. No structures were lost.
If the ban extends through Pioneer Day, violations carry fines up to $1,000. Residents who start fires with illegal fireworks may also face criminal charges and financial liability for firefighting costs, according to Draper City.
Statewide fire picture
As of late June, Utah wildfires had burned more than 141,000 acres, a more than tenfold increase from 13,300 acres on June 17, according to state fire data. Barnes said approximately three-quarters of the state's 2026 fires were caused by human activity. State and federal agencies had spent an estimated $20 million on suppression costs by that point, Barnes said.
What Draper residents should do
The city said it is coordinating with state and county officials on conditions and risk ahead of July 22. Residents can check the city's fireworks page at draperutah.gov for the official update on whether personal fireworks will be allowed.
If permitted, the Pioneer Day discharge window runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 22, 23, and 25, with hours extended to midnight on Friday, July 24, according to Salt Lake County Emergency Management.
