This weekend, Utahns will celebrate with barbecues, parades—and, for many, fireworks. With more than 90% of Utah in “drought status”, and toxic dust stirred up by a shrinking Great Salt Lake, there’s growing concern about the environmental and public health risks surrounding Utah’s air quality and wildfire risk this holiday weekend. Officials are urging the public to take this summer’s conditions and water conservation seriously.
Salt Lake County recently announced widespread fireworks restrictions across much of the valley. Open spaces, foothills, and areas along the Jordan River are off-limits due to extremely dry conditions and the rising risk of wildfires. Some cities, like Millcreek, have gone further, banning personal fireworks altogether within city limits and encouraging people to attend professionally managed shows instead.
“Unfortunately, this year, conditions are exceptionally hot and dry, and just one spark could start a devastating wildfire,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said, according to Fox13.
But the risks extend beyond wildfires. Fireworks contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10) into air. These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory conditions and are particularly harmful to children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung diseases. Research has shown that air quality often takes a sharp dip on and around July 4th, which is especially harmful to communities already facing pollution burdens from Great Salt Lake.
As Great Salt Lake shrinks and hundreds of square miles of dry lakebed are exposed, communities along the Wasatch Front face airborne dust carrying fine particles and toxic elements like arsenic, lead, and lithium. Great Salt Lake dust is linked to increased respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, developmental defects, and cancer.
Pollution from fireworks and wildfires only adds to the strain on a region already battling poor air quality. This Fourth of July, Utah officials are asking residents to make safer, more thoughtful choices. Whether that means skipping backyard fireworks or simply watching the show from a little farther away, the goal is the same: protecting our air, our land, and each other.