Personal fireworks are banned in Cottonwood Heights from Wednesday, July 22, through Saturday, July 25, after more than 100,000 acres burned across Utah this summer. The prohibition covers the entire Pioneer Day holiday window, including Friday, July 24.

The city cited "continued wildfire concerns" in a notice posted to cottonwoodheights.utah.gov.

The local ban follows Gov. Spencer Cox's statewide executive order that canceled personal fireworks during the July 2–5 Independence Day window. Cox warned at the time that a similar restriction could come for Pioneer Day, depending on conditions.

"I love fireworks, guys, more than just about anything," Cox said at a June 25 press conference near the Bonneville Fire burn scar. "I want people to be able to celebrate, and fireworks are part of that celebration — but this year we have to respond to the reality that is with us, not the one that we wish we had."

No specific Pioneer Day parades or community gatherings in Cottonwood Heights or Holladay on July 24 were confirmed in city calendars as of publication.

Patriotic yard contest still open

Residents looking for a fireworks-free way to mark the nation's 250th birthday can still participate in Cottonwood Heights' "Red, White & Bloom" program. The city is inviting residents to nominate neighbors with patriotic yard displays as part of the nationwide America250 Semiquincentennial celebration, according to the Cottonwood Heights Journal.

Winners will be announced in August. The nomination deadline was not listed on the city's website; residents can check cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/community/america250 for details.

The city council discussed America250 planning at its June 16 work session, and the program is one of several local tie-ins to the national milestone marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Nearby America250 events

Additional America250 events across Salt Lake County remain open through July, including the "Past is Personal" exhibit at the new Museum of Utah (450 N. State St., Salt Lake City, open since June 27) and "The American Mosaic" art display at Herriman City Hall (5355 W. Main St.). Utah's full America250 event calendar is at america250.utah.gov.

Cottonwood Heights' fireworks ban lifts after Saturday, July 25. Red, White & Bloom winners will be named in August.