Weber and Ogden fire officials: Dry conditions not likely to merit major fireworks restrictions

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner
A fireworks display at Walmart in Harrisville, pictured Wednesday, June 4, 2025.WEBER COUNTY — Fireworks are available for the masses once again in Utah for the slate of 2025 summer holidays.
And despite dry conditions, fire officials in Ogden City and Weber County say that extra restrictions than what have been applied in the recent past won’t be necessary, at least for Independence Day.
In Ogden, Fire Marshal Kevin Brown told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday that ordinances applying to fireworks have changed somewhat.
“In the past, when we implemented fire restrictions, it restricted every type of fire and open flame — barbecue pits, fireworks, they were all excluded,” he said. “With this new ordinance, it’s color-coded, and depending on the level of the restriction, we’ll state what’s allowed and not allowed. In other words, we can restrict aerial fireworks, which we feel are the real danger, while still allowing someone to have a backyard barbecue or a propane-powered fire pit.”
He said that Orange Level restrictions are in place for the Fourth of July.
“You can still use backyard barbecues, smokers, grills, charcoal grills and that type of thing,” he said. “No fireworks would be allowed in the restricted zones, and the restricted zones are the same areas as previous years — it will be east of Harrison Boulevard and along the river parkways and around Fort Buenaventura (Park).”
Brown said additional restrictions could be implemented ahead of the Pioneer Days fireworks period if dry and hot conditions only worsen between now and later in July.
Beyond Ogden city limits, Weber Fire District Deputy Chief David Reed said he doesn’t see a need for major restrictions beyond what has been traditionally implemented at this time.
“The only thing out west that I’m going to propose is no firework discharge within 100 yards of the river, which nobody should anyway,” he said. “The county, Marriott-Slaterville and West Haven all have to agree to it, which I’m sure they will, and then we’ll have that as our historical closure in the Lower Valley because of the problems that we’ve had.”
Reed said while dry grass in western Weber County and the mountain valleys where people are located can burn, it’s not to a critical level yet.
“It’s not supposed to burn at a rate that is devastating like when it gets really dry and we impose more restrictions,” he said.
While personal fireworks went on sale in the state on Tuesday — and will remain on sale through July 25 — it’s still a bit early to shoot them off.
Discharge for the Fourth of July holiday is July 2-5 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. each night, while on July 4, the hours are extended to midnight.
Discharge of fireworks during the Pioneer Day holiday period is July 22-25 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. each night with hours extended to midnight on July 24.
Reed said there’s one critical thing he wants fireworks users to keep in mind when disposing of their fireworks.
“Clean up your mess, for sure,” he said. “Even if you think the fireworks are cold and out, don’t put the garbage can next to the house. Leave it out in the road or leave it out at the end of the driveway.”
On Monday, the American Red Cross of Utah sent out a press release that included several tips to stay safe during this year’s fireworks season, including:
- “Know which fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- “Never use professional-grade fireworks.
- “Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of fire or accidents.
- “Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- “Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and dispose of them safely.
- “Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- “Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- “Always supervise children when they are using sparklers.
- “Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string or glow sticks.
- “Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for several hours before discarding them.”