Is Utah Ready for Pioneer Day?

This year, Utah is experiencing a closed fire season due to the rising risk of wildfires. This closed season will go into place during the months of June through October, forcing Utahns to apply for burn permits in order to have a burn pit or bonfire. However, this will rely heavily on what you're planning to burn and where you're located, as there are some exceptions where a burn permit is not needed. For example, a resident burning plant clippings or brush within the city is allowed as long as the weather permits, but a resident outside the city limits who wants to burn yard debris and waste would have to get a burn permit from their local fire warden. Then, even if permitted to burn, all residents must call a non-emergency dispatch line notifying police of the fire.

With all this concern for potential fire hazards, is it a good idea to allow fireworks this year's Pioneer Day on the 24th of July? Already, there have been 8 major fires in Utah since July 1st, causing gargantuan damages. A total of 322,769 acres have been burned so far, and more are being singed as this is written. Four of the fires, Cottonwood, Babylon, Wild Goose, and Snyder, are still active, causing even more damage as they aren't contained. Of these large fires, an astonishing 114.975 million dollars has been estimated in damages, along with 204 structures that have been destroyed. The largest fire burning an astounding 102,932 acres, and the most harmful fire destroying 185 structures thus far. Neither of which is contained yet.

These fires can't keep occurring. These are only the 8 large fires that have occurred since July first, yet they've caused so much harm. What's worse is that overall there have been 44 fires since the beginning of the fire season; that's 39 days. Meaning, more than one fire occurring every day. More than 75% of these fires are human-caused, yet there's been no effort to prevent fireworks on July 24th of this year. Governor Cox stated in an executive order on June 25th that fireworks would be restricted for Independence Day, but "State officials will evaluate wildfire conditions before determining whether any restrictions are necessary for the July 24 Pioneer Day." (Governor Spencer J. Cox, June 25, 2026) However, he has since made no comment on the July 24th holiday, and no restrictions on fireworks have been made. All while the state of Utah, a part of the Great Basin geographical area, is still deemed a PL4.

So, this Pioneer Day, instead of going out to enjoy a fireworks show, try something else instead. There are plenty of other options. One popular choice right now is drone shows, trying to replicate the mighty lights that fireworks would produce. Drone shows give just as much awe as fireworks with much more synchronicity and not nearly as much noise. They've become quite the common replacement for fireworks at rodeos, park centers, and city municipalities. Another option is to attend an outdoor movie or drive-in movie. They're great options for a relaxing evening with friends or family. All of these options are safer, being less of a fire hazard, and are fun for all ages alike.