Temporary Fireworks Ban for Independence and Pioneer Day Celebrations

Editor's note: This memo from USU Fire Marshal Brandon Stirland was sent via email to faculty, staff and students on July 1.

This memo is to inform the campus community of a temporary ban on personal fireworks on all USU property through both the Independence Day and Pioneer Day celebrations. This applies to the Logan campus, where there is already a prohibition on all non-commercial use of fireworks within the city limits for the July 4 holiday, as well as on all USU campuses and property across the state of Utah.

On June 25, 2026, Governor Spencer J. Cox issued an executive order establishing a temporary statewide restriction on personal fireworks in response to extraordinary wildfire conditions, including historic drought and hundreds of active fires across Utah. The order authorizes the state forester to prohibit fireworks statewide while allowing municipalities to designate limited areas where fireworks may be used safely, in consultation with local fire officials.

What This Means for the USU Community

• The use, discharge, or possession-for-use of personal (non-commercial) fireworks is prohibited on all USU owned properties, including residence halls, campus grounds, and USU Statewide Campuses for July 2-5, 2026, and July 22-25, 2026.
• This restriction applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including those living in on-campus housing.
• Violations may result in university disciplinary action in addition to municipal fines (up to $1,000) and potential liability for fire suppression costs under state and local law.
• Organized, professional fireworks displays approved by local authorities, including Logan City's Independence Day celebration and the July 23 Pioneer Day celebration at Maverik Stadium are not affected by this restriction.

Utah is currently experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in recent history. Roughly three-quarters of this year’s wildfires have been human-caused, and officials believe illegal fireworks contributed to at least one major fire that forced evacuations elsewhere in the state. Given Logan’s proximity to canyon and foothill terrain, the university asks everyone in our community to take this restriction seriously.

Alternative Ways to Celebrate

Students and employees are encouraged to attend Logan’s organized, professional fireworks displays approved by local authorities, including Logan City's Independence Day, Pioneer Day celebration and the July 23 Pioneer Day celebration at Maverik Stadium, rather than using personal fireworks.

Brandon Stirland

Fire Marshal, Utah State University