SALT LAKE CITY – With the Independence Day rapidly approaching, Gov. Spencer Cox is urging Utah residents to be responsible with fireworks and to follow local safety guidelines while celebrating the holiday.
Cox’s warning came during his address while declaring July 2 as Wildland Firefighter Day in Utah to recognize the courage and dedication of the men and women who protect the lives, homes and natural landscapes of the Beehive State from wildfires.
“Our wildland firefighters are heroes,” Cox emphasized. “They face incredible risks to keep us safe and protect the places we love.
“We owe them our gratitude and that starts with doing our part,” the governor added. “This summer, use fireworks wisely, follow local rules and help prevent the next fire.”
Utah has recorded 438 wildfires so far in 2025, with 331 caused by human activity. Those fires have burned more than 52,000 acres statewide, putting stress on farms, ranches, rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Most of the wildfires now burning are located in southern Utah, including the France Canyon Fire near Panguitch, which has scorched about 32,000 acres, and the Forsyth Fire in Pine Valley near Zion National Park, which has blackened about 11,600 acres so far.
About 600 firefighters are battling the France Canyon Fire and another nearly 700 are attempting to contain the Forsyth Fire.
State officials say that the governor’s July 2 declaration honors all wildland personnel, including those serving at the federal, state, local, tribal, military and contact levels, along with their families who share in their sacrifices.