Fireworks Safety

State Fire Marshal's Office

Our office seeks to provide up-to-date, accurate and supportive safety education for fireworks in Utah.

Fireworks Safety & 2026 Discharge Rules

Official Utah Guidelines for Safe Summer Celebrations

In the Event of a Fire or Injury: Move to Safety • Call 911 Immediately

Fireworks may only be discharged between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on the following dates:

July 2 – July 5: Hours extended until midnight on July 4.
July 22 – July 25: Hours extended until midnight on July 24.
Prohibited Areas: Fireworks are strictly prohibited on all state park land and all state and federal forest lands. Check local municipal ordinances for further restrictions.

Adult Supervision: Only responsible adults should light fireworks. Children should never handle matches, lighters, or fireworks.
One Adult at a Time: Only one adult at a time should be tasked with lighting fireworks to avoid confusion and overcrowding near the ignition site.
Single Ignition: Light only one firework at a time and move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
Preparation: Keep a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby at all times. Always read and follow the instructions on the firework's label.
Physical Safety: Never hold a lighted firework in your hand or throw them. Wear eye protection when possible.
Use Only Legal Fireworks: Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives . Illegal use can result in severe injuries, fires, or death.
Never Hold or Throw: Never hold a lighted firework in your hand or throw them at any time.
The 15-Minute Rule: Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait at least 15 minutes, then use a shovel to soak it in a bucket of water.

Never Relight: If a firework does not ignite, never attempt to relight it.
Wait and Soak: Wait at least 15 minutes before approaching. Use a shovel to place the "dud" into a bucket of water.
Submerge Fully: Let the firework soak overnight before disposing of it in a trash can.

Sparklers are a leading cause of fireworks injuries to children. Understanding the temperature helps illustrate the risk:

Sparklers: Burn at approximately 1,200°F.
Comparisons: For perspective, glass melts at 900°F, wood burns at 575°F, and water boils at 212°F.
Safe Alternatives: Consider using glow sticks, noise makers, or red/white/blue silly string for young children.

Safety is critical to prevent the following national annual impacts:

Local Restrictions: Many cities have specific boundaries where fireworks are banned. Check the Fireworks Restricted Areas Map.

How you handle fireworks after the show is just as important as how you light them.

Soak Them: Thoroughly soak all used fireworks in a metal bucket of water overnight. This ensures there are no hidden "hot spots" that could reignite in a trash can.
Street Cleanup: Do not leave used fireworks, cardboard, or plastic debris in the street. This is not only a fire hazard but a significant littering issue for your neighborhood.
Safe Disposal: Once soaked, double-wrap the fireworks in plastic wrap or a plastic bag so they do not dry out, then place them in your regular household trash.

For more in-depth research, safety statistics, and educational materials, visit these national fire safety organizations:

While celebrating, keep the spirit of the season and your community in mind by responsibly using fireworks.