OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Fireworks can be sold in Utah, so why are so many stands closed?

Jun 24, 2021, 9:09 PM | Updated: Jun 25, 2021, 11:35 am

TNT Fireworks...

Inside the Fireworks Frenzy stand in Clearfield. Photo: Paul Nelson

CLEARFIELD, Utah — Despite a growing list of cities banning them, Utahns can finally buy fireworks for their Fourth of July and Pioneer Day celebrations. So, why does it seem that the majority of fireworks stands are closed? 

Personal fireworks, or “Class C” fireworks are up for sale between now and July 25th, even though more cities are deciding to ban them. On Thursday, South Salt Lake and Ogden decided to implement fireworks bans within their city limits.  West Jordan increased restrictions on where they could be fired.

However, if you look inside the tents set up next to gas stations, grocery stores and strip malls across the Wasatch Front, you would see many of them aren’t being used. In many cases, the tables aren’t even set up to display any goods.  Aren’t they losing valuable selling time? 

Not necessarily. Fireworks Frenzy owner Brian Nelson said many fireworks manufacturers don’t require their retailers to be open through the entire selling window.

(Two fireworks stands in nearby parking lots along 500 South in Bountiful. Neither of them were open as of June 24. Photo: Paul Nelson)

“They only contracted to work a certain amount of days,” Nelson said. “They’re required to be there the 1st through the 4th.”

Plus, it’s common for some sellers to wait until closer to the holidays because that’s when sales really pick up.

“Some of them won’t even open up until just a couple of days before the Fourth of July,” he said.

There could be other reasons why some fireworks stands aren’t open.  Nelson said there is a major supply problem with products coming from overseas. He said there are loads of fireworks still waiting in ports along the west coast, but there aren’t enough trucks to haul them here.

(A fireworks tent near Bountiful Jr. High, painted with the message “Don’t Burn Down Utah.” Photo: Paul Nelson)

Also, Nelson said there is a lot of animosity toward their industry this year because of extreme drought.  He said they always instruct their customers how to light fireworks safely, even in dry conditions, but he says many people are frustrated the stands are open, at all.  For instance, he said his workers were harassed at his Clearfield location.

Nelson said, “We weren’t even open, yet.  We were just setting up the stand and they went out of their way to come up and make a scene.”

He said he understands why people are more hesitant to launch fireworks while things are so dry, but several people are taking the harassment to the next level.

“[One man] decided to ask us why we were doing it, called us names for doing it and asked us why we would help burn down the city,” according to Nelson.

In Bountiful, one empty fireworks stand was painted with the phrase “Don’t Burn Down Utah.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Outdoors + Recreation

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Last week on the KSL Greenhouse show, Taun and Maria gave some options for weed control on our lawn...

Michelle Lee

Weed control options for your lawn

A healthy lawn needs an application of fertilizer at least once or twice a year. Additionally, you may need to use a weed killer occasionally.

11 months ago

two people pictured on a scenic lift ride, which will be available at the sundance mother's day eve...

Allessandra Harris

Sundance hosting weekend Mother’s Day event

A Mother's Day event at Sundance Mountain Resort will include things like spring skiing and scenic lift rides.

11 months ago

A recent string of trespassing incidents has te Utah Department of Transportation asking people not...

Adam Small

Trespassing on West Davis Corridor sites costing taxpayers millions

Utah transportation officials and police report multiple incidents of trespassing near the West Davis Corridor.

11 months ago

Utah's tourism industry experienced record growth in visitation and spending, according to a study ...

Mark Jones

Things to know when visiting Zion National Park

Jonathan Shafer, a spokesman for Zion National Park, joined KSL at Night on Tuesday to discuss what visitors should expect when visiting the park this summer.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Fireworks can be sold in Utah, so why are so many stands closed?