District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland

Fire & Fireworks Restrictions in Ogden Valley City: Your Questions Answered
By District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland - 27 June 2026
 
If you’ve been wondering what the rules actually are this summer when it comes to campfires, fireworks, and fire danger, here’s the short version: the City Council just adopted Ordinance 2026-50, which writes a real fire and fireworks chapter into our municipal code for the first time. Here’s what it does and what it means for you.
 
Q: Why did the City need its own fire ordinance? Doesn’t Weber Fire District already handle this?
 
Weber Fire District handles the firefighting and the fire restriction calls — but here’s the catch: when WFD, the county, or the state issues a restriction order, it doesn’t automatically apply inside an incorporated city’s boundaries unless the city adopts it. Before this ordinance, OVC had no mechanism on the books to pull those restrictions in. That left a gap.
 
Q: So what does the ordinance actually do?
 
Two big things. First, it sets up automatic adoption — when WFD, Weber County, the State Forester, or another fire authority issues Stage 1, Stage 2, or equivalent restrictions covering our area, those restrictions now apply inside city limits automatically, on the same effective date, without the Council having to take separate action every time. Second, it puts our own fireworks restriction on the books, tied to a map (Exhibit A) covering the brush, forest, and wildland-urban interface areas that make up most of the city.
 
Q: What’s actually banned during a Stage 1 restriction?
 
Open campfires and recreational fires (unless you’re in an approved fire ring or pit with water access), open burning, debris and slash burning, fireworks and exploding targets, spark-producing metalwork in dry vegetation, smoking outside of a vehicle or cleared area, and running equipment like chainsaws or ATVs without a working spark arrestor. Gas grills and propane stoves are still fine if they’re in a cleared area with an on/off switch.
 
Q: What about Stage 2?
 
Stage 2 is stricter — at that point, essentially all open flames are off the table, including fire pits and grills that would’ve been allowed under Stage 1. Smoking gets tighter too, limited to vehicles, buildings, or paved/cleared ground.
 
Q: Does this mean fireworks are banned in Ogden Valley?
 
Not a blanket ban — state law (Utah Code § 15A-5-202.5) doesn’t allow that. What it allows is restricting fireworks in defined hazard areas, and that’s what we did. Based on the Fire Marshal’s findings, the restricted area covers the brush, forest, and wildland-urban interface zones — which is the preponderance of the city’s land. Practically speaking, if you’re in Ogden Valley, you’re very likely inside the restricted zone.
 
Q: I thought state law sets specific dates when fireworks are legal — July 2–5 and July 22–25. Does that override the city’s restriction?
 
No. Those statewide discharge windows only apply where fireworks are otherwise legal to begin with. They don’t unlock fireworks use inside an area the city has already restricted, or during an active Stage 1/Stage 2 order. The more restrictive rule always wins.
 
Q: How long does this year’s fireworks restriction last?
 
Through October 15, 2026, unless the Council acts to extend, modify, or end it sooner.
 
Q: Are there any exceptions?
 
Permitted public fireworks displays — the organized kind, run with city authorization and Fire Code Official sign-off — aren’t covered by these restrictions. Personal fireworks are a different story.
 
Q: What happens if someone violates the ordinance?
 
Violating a fire restriction generally is a Class B misdemeanor. Discharging fireworks in a restricted area is an infraction, with a fine of up to $1,000. On top of that, anyone responsible for a fire can be on the hook for suppression costs, response costs, and damages — separate from any criminal penalty.
 
Q: Who enforces this and who do I call with a complaint?
 
The city, the Fire Code Official (the Weber Fire District Fire Marshal), Weber Fire District personnel, code enforcement, and law enforcement all have authority to act under this chapter. Residents may call the Weber County Sheriff or Weber County Fire District for urgent matters, or file a written complaint on the Ogden Valley City website (ogdenvalley.gov, under Public Safety-Code Enforcement)
 
Q: Where can I check current restriction status?
 
The city will post current restrictions — Stage 1, Stage 2, or otherwise — on the city’s website and at city offices. Given how fire-prone this valley is, it’s worth a regular check before you light anything outdoors this summer.

Ordinance 2026-50 enacts Chapter 5.06 of the Ogden Valley City Municipal Code. Questions about the ordinance can be directed to City Hall.