State Fire Marshal - 801-284-6350
Office of the State Fire Marshal
2011 Utah Fireworks Information
There have been some significant changes in the Utah fireworks laws that go into effect this firework season. We are asking for your help to keep your community safe this year by sharing these talking points. You may contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 801-284-6350.
You may now purchase and use lawful fireworks from June 26 – July 26. (The dates for sale and use of fireworks for New Year and Chinese’s New Year celebrations remains the same.)
A new type of aerial firework is now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as “multiple tube,” “repeater,” or “cake” fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.
Still not allowed: firecrackers, M-80, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, Roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes.
You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks.
Fireworks need space from trees, carports, structures, or other obstacles. Aerial or “cake” fireworks need at least a 30 foot bubble of clearance around on the ground and above in the air. Some need as much as 150 feet clearance in the air.
Should a firework misfire or not light, do not attempt to re-ignite.
Children in Utah are burned each year by sparklers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision. Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
Teach children to hold a sparkler at arm’s length from their body and not to wave sparklers or run while holding sparklers. Stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
After a firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
The following is the new Rule 710-2-6 about the display, sale and signage of aerial devices. Aerial devices are also known as cakes or multiple tube fireworks. This does not refer to bottle rockets or similar unlawful fireworks that shoot into the air.
This rule provides guidance to protect the consumer from unintentional ignition of an aerial device during point of sale. These are a very different type of firework that calls for additional safety precautions. This rule provides education to the consumer about the safe use of aerial fireworks.
R710-2-6. Display, Sale, and Signage of Aerial Devices.
6.1 In addition to those requirements in R710-2-3, R710-2-4 and R710-2-5, all aerial devices shall be packaged and displayed for sale in a manner that would provide public safety by completing the following:
6.1.1 Aerial devices shall be placed in an area that is physically separated from the public so that the customer cannot handle the aerial devices without the assistance of an employee. There shall be signage placed at the aerial device display directing customers that aerial devices cannot be attained without the assistance of a store employee.
6.1.2 Where aerial devices are sold in permanent structures or other approved locations, the aerial device display shall be placed in a location that gives the customer access to the aerial devices just before the customer checks out and exits the store.
6.1.3 Wherever aerial devices are sold, there shall be signage with a minimum font of one inch, to warn and inform the customer of the dangers of aerial devices and the signage shall state the following:
6.1.3.1. Aerial fireworks are designed to travel up to 150 feet into the air and then explode.
6.1.3.2 Aerial fireworks shall be placed on a hard level surface outdoors, in a clear and open area prior to ignition.
6.1.3.3 Anyone under the age of 16 shall not handle or operate aerial fireworks.
6.1.3.4 Ignition of aerial fireworks shall be a minimum of 30 feet from any structure or vertical obstruction.
6.1.3.5 Aerial fireworks shall not be ignited within 150 feet of the point of sale.
6.1.3.6 Please read and obey all safe handling instructions before using aerial fireworks.