The Utah State Legislature faced renewed scrutiny this week after a Republican state representative, who owns a fireworks business, retracted a previous statement encouraging residents to ignore Gov. Spencer Cox’s restrictions on pyrotechnics amid a severe wildfire season. The shift came as officials emphasized the heightened risk of fire ignition during drought conditions, with multiple large blazes ongoing across the state.
Rep. John H. Smith, a Republican from Provo, initially told constituents in a social media post that “the risk of fire is overblown” and urged Utahns to “exercise their rights” by using fireworks despite the governor’s executive order. However, Smith later issued a statement clarifying that his remarks were “misinterpreted” and that he supports “responsible fire safety practices.” No official records of the initial post were found in public databases, but multiple news outlets reported the statement through screenshots shared by constituents.
Gov. Cox’s order, issued on July 4, banned the use of all consumer fireworks in 13 high-risk counties, including Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber. The restriction was part of broader fire safety measures as the state grapples with its worst wildfire season in decades. According to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, over a significant number of acres have burned statewide this year, with the largest blaze, the Bear Creek Fire, consuming thousands of acres in Garfield County as of July 10.
Smith’s business, Fireworks USA, is listed as a Utah-registered corporation with a 2022 tax filing showing a significant amount of annual revenue. The company’s website, which has not been updated since 2023, advertises “high-quality” fireworks for “community celebrations.” A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment on the controversy, citing “internal matters.”
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but a spokesperson reiterated Cox’s stance in a July 6 press release: “Utah is in a critical fire season. Every citizen must take responsibility for preventing human-caused fires, including those from fireworks.” The statement cited data from the National Interagency Fire Center showing that a majority of wildfires in the western U.S. are caused by human activity.
The debate over the fireworks ban highlights tensions between local businesses and state fire safety policies. While some cities, including Moab and St. George, have opted out of the statewide restriction, most jurisdictions have upheld the governor’s order. Fire officials warn that even small sparks can ignite fires in the state’s dry, wind-swept landscapes. “A single spark can turn into a catastrophe,” said Jeff Currey, a fire prevention specialist with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.
Smith’s retraction followed a wave of public backlash, including a Twitter thread from wildfire survivors in the Cottonwood area, where a July 3 fire destroyed 12 homes. “It’s irresponsible to downplay fire risks when families are still recovering,” wrote one resident, whose property was damaged in the blaze. The Cottonwood Fire, which burned thousands of acres, was attributed to an unattended campfire, according to local authorities.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the political dynamics surrounding fire safety. Utah’s legislature has historically resisted statewide fire regulations, with many lawmakers prioritizing business interests over environmental concerns. In 2021, a bill to expand fire restrictions in high-risk areas failed after opposition from rural communities and business groups. This year’s ban, however, includes exemptions for “professional firework displays” and “cultural or religious events,” a compromise aimed at balancing safety and tradition.
As the fire season progresses, officials are urging residents to report illegal fire use through the state’s 24/7 wildfire hotline. The Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office reported an increase in fire-related calls compared to the same period last year. “Every citizen has a role to play in protecting our communities,” said Fire Marshal Steve Winterton. “We’re not asking for perfection—we’re asking for responsibility.”
The situation underscores the complex interplay between individual rights, economic interests, and environmental protection in wildfire-prone regions. As Smith’s statement illustrates, even well-intentioned policies can spark controversy when they intersect with local commerce and cultural practices. With the fire season expected to peak in August, the coming weeks will test both the effectiveness of state regulations and the willingness of residents to adapt to new safety protocols.
For now, the focus remains on preventing human-caused fires. Residents are advised to check local fire danger ratings before using any open flames, and to comply with all state and local fire restrictions. As the governor’s office emphasized, “In Utah, we don’t just live with wildfires—we fight them. But we can’t do it alone.”
Next confirmed checkpoint: A scheduled hearing on July 15 by the Utah State Senate’s Environmental