Southern Utah Fireworks Guide 2012, restrictions, permissions, shows and more

Editorial Note:  This guide is continually being updated as the various cities, towns and other relevant agencies modify restrictions and permissions and give notice of changes in public fireworks displays and other events.

SOUTHERN UTAH – Washington County cities uphold Utah’s fire restrictions and some have added stricter restrictions, the same goes for fireworks laws.

State law allows discharge of any fireworks bought in Utah. However, fireworks purchased outside of Utah, like at the Valley of Fire outside of Las Vegas, which may not conform to Utah’s fireworks specifications are illegal.

Under current Utah law, fireworks purchased in the state of Utah can be discharged from July 1-7 and July 21-27, daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on the 4th and the 24th when the time is extended to midnight.  This reflects shortened periods from last year’s full month allowance.

Some municipalities, state and federal lands, have additional fireworks restrictions, and provide designated areas for their lawful discharge. Many of these have released statements that they intend to enforce restrictions vigorously, which may include citations or arrest for violations, and may pursue claims against persons liable for any fire related damages. We have not undertaken to include these warnings from each entity with particularity.

Here’s information on additional fireworks regulations, fireworks viewing opportunities and some of the 4th of July festivities in Washington County, Cedar City and Brian Head:

Brian Head: The Town of Brian Head has cancelled its fireworks display due to high fire danger. It hosts a full day of activities including a pancake breakfast, concert, dance, and more. Further details are outlined here.

Cedar City: Fireworks may only be discharged in the parking lot north of the Bicentennial ball fields, the parking lot west of the Cedar City aquatic center, the parking lot on the south side of Canyon View High School, the parking lot south of Cedar High School, and the parking lot at Iron Springs Elementary.

Cedar City’s July 4 Independence Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street.  The Pioneer Day Parade on July 24 will begin at 10 a.m. Both parades start at 400 South and end at the Main Street Park at 200 North.

Gunlock: Gunlock is an unincorporated town in Washington County. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.  Independence Day Celebrations in Gunlock will begin with the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Town Hall at 7:30 a.m., followed by Breakfast In The Park at 8:00, then the Parade at 10:00 a.m.

Hurricane: Fireworks may only be discharged between the hours of 11 a.m. and midnight on July 4 and 24, and only from the Spilsbury Park ball fields, the American Legion ball fields, Three Falls Park and Pioneer Park.  Any other discharge of fireworks within the city limits is strictly prohibited.

Additionally, the City of Hurricane has cancelled its traditional “Morning Blast” (dynamite blast) and its fireworks display this year due to the extremely high fire danger. Hurricane has a full day planned  for this Independence day, starting with a Lions Club Breakfast at 7 a.m. and its Freedom Parade at 8:30 a.m. For full schedule of Hurricane’s Fourth of July events, click here.

Ivins: Absolutely no fireworks allowed.

Kanab: The City’s Fireworks display has been cancelled. Lions Club Breakfast 7 a.m. State Bank parking lot. Parade at 10 a.m. starts at 100 W 100 S (Travel Council Building). Click here for Fourth of July events Kanab.

La Verkin: Fireworks may only be discharged from the Spilsbury Park ball fields, the American Legion ball fields, Three Falls Park and Pioneer Park at prescribed times. Please refer to the Hurricane section for further details.

La Verkin’s Independence day starts with a 6:30 a.m. hike starting at Confluence Park, followed by a parade beginning at 8 a.m. at 111 South Main ending at Wanlass Park. There will be a flag ceremony right after the parade at the Wanlass Park Pavilion followed by games, races, continuous entertainment and other activities until noon.

Leeds: Use of fireworks is allowed only during specific times on July 4 and only in the Town Park behind the Town Hall. The Leeds Town Council encourages the public to discharge personal fireworks from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at the Town Park. Fireworks may not be used on any other date or in any other location. Further information about the official fireworks show, to be held if conditions are safe and weather permits, and any further restrictions will be advertised on Leeds’ town website.  If July 4 is too windy or has too high fire danger, all fireworks events will be moved to July 24.

Rockville: Absolutely no fireworks allowed.

Santa Clara: There will be no aerial fireworks allowed in Santa Clara City and no fireworks at all permited in Zone 2, as detailed on the linked map. Further details are detailed in the town’s fireworks ordinance.

Springdale: Absolutely no fireworks allowed. Springdale’s Fourth of July events begin with a Lions Club Breakfast at 7 a.m. at Springdale Elementary School, followed by a 9:30 a.m. parade starting at Lion Boulevard.

St. George: Fireworks may only be used in certain areas. The city of St. George has an interactive map that shows where you may use fireworks. In addition, it is against the law to discharge fireworks within 20 feet of any building. No fireworks of any kind are to be used within 250 feet of the following areas: (a) Dry washes and drainages, (b) River and stream corridors, (c) Hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops, and (d) Undeveloped open space or natural terrain. While setting off fireworks near a water source such as the Virgin River or Santa Clara might seem like a good location, these areas are full of the tamarisk trees which are highly combustible, burn hotter than rubber, and pose great fire risks. One recent example is the fire that burned between Bloomington and Bloomington Hills, caused by sparks igniting tamarisk and other brush behind the Bloomington Wal-mart. The St. George Fourth of July Celebration provides an alternative that will not disappoint; further details on that below and in the link provided.

The St. George 4th of July Celebration begins at 7:30 a.m. in Vernon Worthen Park with the annual Staheli catered pancake breakfast. The St. George Independence Parade runs from 8-9 a.m. starting and ending at the Dixie Sunbowl, routing a circle around Vernon Worthen Park.  Multiple events throughout the day.  For details visit the city’s website on the event here.

Toquerville: Fireworks may only be discharged in the city park ball field (250 W. Center St.), and only on July 4 and July 24 from dusk until 11 p.m.

Washington City: No fireworks allowed north or east of I-15, mile markers 10-17; south of Telegraph Road; or east of Washington Fields Road (300 East). Fireworks are only allowed in the parking lot between the baseball diamond and soccer field at the community center and in the clearly marked areas in the parking lot at Pine View Park. No aerial fireworks allowed. Fireworks can be discharged in the appropriate areas July 1-July 7 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 21-July 27 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, fireworks may be discharged until midnight on July 4 and July 24. Washington City will offer a public fireworks display at the Washington City Community Center on July 24 at approximately 9 p.m.

Unincorporated areas of Washington County: Fireworks cannot be discharged in any unincorporated land in Washington County, regardless if it’s state-owned land, federal-owned land, or privately-owned land.

Unincorporated areas in the state of Utah: As of June 14, no fireworks may be discharged.

Given the vulnerability of many areas this wildfire season, further restrictions may be imposed in any of the listed areas. This Guide will be updated as needed to reflect current provisions.  The St. George News community is encouraged to save the link as your resource for the season, and check back for any updates.

Alternative to do-it-yourself fireworks:

The St. George Fourth of July Celebration will make an unprecedented and historic use of St. George’s unique natural theater, as fireworks will be launched from three separate sites simultaneously, filling four corners with splendor in our skies, fully choreographed in a 21-minute marriage of music and patriotic narration broadcasting live over 99.9 KONY FM radio. The show is designed to be seen from throughout the St. George region.  The most optimum locations to see three corners of the sky fill with red, white, blue and more, would likely be any areas that are encompassed by the natural theater created by the bluffs surrounding the downtown area of St. George. Mayor Dan MacARthur said at a recent City Council Meeting that the public is encouraged to bring their own fireworks to sidewalks and pavement areas of City Parks within the designated areas. Pick your spot, enjoy the holiday, and at 10 p.m. turn on your radio, and let the show begin.

For more information, click here.

Please remember to use fireworks responsibly. Always have a source of water nearby and exercise care with children. Never check a dud or attempt to relight a failed firework. Handle duds with a shovel. Soak fireworks thoroughly in water or with a hose prior to disposal. If it’s windy, cancel your private show.

 

Tracie McFarlin contributed to this article.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @JoyceKuzmanic

Copyright 2012 St. George News. 

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