Clinton, Utah – Mayor Marie Dougherty of Clinton, Utah, faced intense criticism and threats after she opted not to enforce a statewide ban on fireworks for the Fourth of July weekend. The decision defied an executive order issued by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who had implemented the ban due to extreme drought and high wildfire risk across the state.
Governor Cox's order, issued just a week before the holiday, aimed to mitigate wildfire ignition during a period of elevated danger. The National Weather Service had issued red flag warnings for parts of Utah, citing high winds, temperatures, and low humidity. Fireworks are a leading cause of human-ignited wildfires, and the state had already experienced significant wildfire activity, with over 295,000 acres burned in the preceding weeks.
While the governor's ban allowed local leaders to designate safe areas, Dougherty chose not to impose restrictions in Clinton. This decision led to a significant backlash, with Dougherty reporting it was the most severe negative reaction she had experienced as an elected official. Social media posts included doxing of her address and threats to set off fireworks at her home. She told local radio station KSL that she was accused of "going rogue" and "defying the governor's ban," and described being "hammered by people all over the state, screaming at me that I am the most horrible, disgusting person."
Dougherty defended her decision, stating that after consultation with local officials and the fire chief, most of Clinton did not qualify as extremely hazardous. She pointed to the town's history, noting few fireworks-related incidents even during the extreme drought of 2022. Residents were advised to use only legal fireworks and to have water sources readily available.
However, public reaction on social media expressed strong disagreement, with comments highlighting the widespread drought conditions and ongoing wildfires elsewhere in Utah, including the destructive Cottonwood Fire that had recently burned through over 150 square miles of the state and resulted in the deaths of three firefighters. Some residents voiced disappointment that Clinton did not appear to take the fire conditions more seriously.
In contrast, other Utah mayors, such as Bountiful Mayor Kate Bradshaw, reported receiving positive feedback after complying with the governor's ban. Bradshaw noted that her town's proximity to mountainous, shrub-covered areas made the decision to prohibit fireworks more straightforward.
Despite the controversy, Clinton maintained its decision to allow fireworks in designated zones. The town is also planning to permit fireworks in designated areas for the upcoming Pioneer's Day holiday, suggesting the debate over local control versus statewide safety measures may continue.