Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday issued an emergency order that effectively bans fireworks across the state through July 5.

“Gov. Spencer J. Cox today announced temporary statewide fireworks restrictions as Utah faces extraordinary wildfire conditions that have produced hundreds of fires, exhausted firefighting resources and created some of the most dangerous fire behavior in state history,” a press release from Cox’s office read.

“An executive order issued today enables the state forester to prohibit fireworks statewide during the upcoming Independence Day holiday while allowing municipalities, in consultation with their local fire officials, to designate areas where fireworks may still be used safely,” the release continued.

“The order applies through July 5. State officials will evaluate wildfire conditions before determining whether any restrictions are necessary for the July 24 Pioneer Day holiday,” it added.

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In typical years, Utahns may only legally ignite fireworks between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. during the three days surrounding the two July holidays, as well as during two-hour windows on New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year.

“As I’ve seen these fire officials who aren’t scared of anything, I’ve seen real fear for the first time in my time working with them,” Cox told reporters, with firefighters and city officials standing alongside him. “When people who have dedicated their lives to protecting Utah tell us this year is different, we desperately need to listen.”

Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands Director Jamie Barnes said at the news conference that the state will move into Stage 2 fire restrictions Friday, meaning no open fires of any kind are allowed on state and private, unincorporated lands.

“Most of the fires we are fighting this year did not have to start,” Barnes said. “We are pushing nearly 80% of human-caused fires. We track ignition causes closely, and we see the same patterns year after year.”

“Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox said.

“Utahns love celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends and fireworks. I do too. But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before. This is a temporary measure for an extraordinary year. It protects lives and homes while allowing local leaders, working alongside their fire officials, to identify areas where fireworks can be used safely,” he added.

“Since the beginning of fire season, more than 75 percent of Utah’s wildfires have been human-caused. State fire officials warn that prolonged drought, critically dry vegetation and extreme weather conditions have created an unusually volatile environment where even small ignitions can quickly become catastrophic,” the release continued.

“Our first priority is protecting lives and keeping people safe,” said Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety.

“We are increasing patrols in high-risk areas, supporting local law enforcement, and reminding Utahns that anyone whose illegal actions start a wildfire can face significant criminal and civil consequences,” Mason continued.

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“Our officers are working alongside our partners at the Salt Lake City Fire Department and the state to protect lives and property during this extraordinary fire season,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd.

“We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, respect local restrictions and help prevent the next wildfire before it starts,” Redd added.

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The temporary ban comes as firefighters work to contain five large wildfires, including the Iron Fire near Eureka and the Cottonwood Fire, which surpassed 70,000 acres on Thursday.

The Iron Fire and Cottonwood Fire are currently the largest fires in the nation.

The fires have devastated the state, forcing evacuations and destroying numerous buildings and homes. While the exact causes of each fire have not been released, fire officials have determined they were human-caused. Gov. Cox said the Iron Fire, which forced evacuations in Eureka and burned over 37,000 acres, is believed to have been ignited by illegal fireworks.

The governor’s call comes as Utah continues to deal with extremely dry conditions and strong winds, made worse by record-worst winter snowpack. The executive order states that this year’s wildfire conditions are “extremely hazardous,” with 94% of Utah in severe or extreme drought.

Fire dangers only continue to rise with dry thunderstorms moving into the Beehive State, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a near-statewide Red Flag Warning set to go into effect Friday afternoon.

Officials said new and existing fires could spread rapidly as strong winds with gusts as high as 50 miles per hour move into Utah.

This comes with a severe thunderstorm risk for central and northern Utah that could bring the possibility for dry lightning.

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