Western States Restrict Personal Fireworks Ahead of July Fourth

Cities and states across the western U.S. have restricted personal fireworks displays ahead of July Fourth because of elevated wildfire risk. Utah enacted a statewide ban on personal fireworks. Governors in Colorado and New Mexico urged residents to avoid setting off their own displays.

Cities and counties from the Southwest to Oregon and Washington have imposed limits of their own. Some communities canceled planned shows, including the second-largest city in Colorado. A foothills fire 50 miles south of that city burned across 55 square miles and destroyed more than 100 structures.

Officials cited the blaze when deciding to cancel the municipal display. Hundreds of wildfires ignited in the past week alone. The fires are driven by dry, windy conditions after an unusually dry winter and low snowpack in the Southwest.

Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor show varying drought levels across much of the East Coast and parts of the South. Spectacular professional shows are still planned from Mount Rushmore to Washington, D.C.

Some displays will use drone technology instead of pyrotechnics. The fireworks industry recorded $2.3 billion in sales last year and could reach $3 billion this year because of America 250 events. Officials recommend attending professional displays and following local restrictions.

After using permitted fireworks, spent devices should be soaked in water before disposal.