Don’t Make Provo Fire Department Rain on Your Parade

Remember, fireworks season doesn’t start until SUNDAY, JULY 2! With high wildfire risk conditions, Provo City Fire Department is issuing this strong, but light-hearted word of caution to citizens: Fireworks are illegal until July 2.

Our Fire Marshal, Lynn Schofield, emphasizes each person's critical role in safeguarding our community during this vibrant yet potentially hazardous period. "Restrictions are in place to protect individuals and our community. There is zero room to compromise on safety precautions," Schofield asserts. We are incredibly proud that our citizens have proven time and again to be part of the solution rather than contributing to any problems.

This year, Utah State Law stipulates that the legal dates for Fourth of July fireworks are from Sunday, July 2 through Wednesday, July 5. For Pioneer Day, the dates extend from Saturday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 25. Please note that any violation of these guidelines is an infraction that carries a hefty $1,000 fine. We share this not to scare but to remind everyone that safety measures and legal dates are essential for ensuring a joyful and accident-free celebration.

On July 1st, you may notice fireworks lighting up the Provo sky as part of the short Big 12 announcement and the annual Stadium of Fire show. However, these are approved, permitted displays, distinct from individual, unauthorized firework usage.

Play it Safe at the Park

Many of you are familiar with and enthusiastic supporters of our Play it Safe at the Park program. Launched in response to extreme drought conditions in 2021, this initiative encourages citizens to discharge their consumer-grade fireworks at approved parks for safe community celebrations. We are elated to see this program grow year after year, enhancing both the safety and enjoyment of our fireworks festivities.

Please refer to the map to see where fireworks are banned in Provo City and the list of approved parks. Discharging fireworks in the restricted discharge area is a Class B Misdemeanor and carries a $1000 fine. Please use one of our approved city parks to do fireworks.

As we approach this exciting season, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all residents who conscientiously do the right thing. Although we, as a city, provide the tools for safety, the ultimate responsibility for our community's wellbeing rests with the person lighting the fuse. It's up to all of us to prioritize safety—because our beloved community's safety truly depends on it.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that our fireworks celebrations are full of joy, unity, and, above all, safety. Here's to a festive and secure fireworks season in Provo!

Provo is #5 Best-Run City in America

Provo has been recognized as the #5 Best-Run City in America by WalletHub! This ranking comes as a result of WalletHub’s extensive study of 149 of the largest U.S. cities, comparing their operating efficiency. Essentially, this is a measure of how well a city manages and spends public funds to provide quality services to its residents.

Making it to the top five is no small feat. It is an affirmation of our collective hard work, resilience, and commitment to making Provo not just an efficient and well-managed city, but also a wonderful place that we are proud to call home.

This recognition is particularly significant considering the challenges of the past year, during which we grappled with high inflation and other difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these trials, we managed to persevere and even excel, all thanks to the tenacity and spirit of our community.

I want to emphasize that this achievement is not mine alone, or that of the city leadership. It is YOUR achievement too. You, the residents of Provo, are the heart of our city. Your unwavering support and active participation in our community are vital factors that helped us secure this esteemed position.

I am incredibly proud to serve as your mayor, and I look forward to all that we can achieve together in the future. Let's keep up the great work and continue to make Provo a city that is not just efficient and well-run, but also filled with warmth, community spirit, and shared prosperity.

700 Million Gallons of Water Saved!

Thank you, Provo! From this year to last, you have saved 700 million gallons of water. Your small changes are making a BIG impact. To put this into perspective, that's enough water to fill 1,060 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This is no small feat. It is a testament to our community's commitment, understanding, and respect for our natural resources.

We've got a fun video for you with simple water-saving tips. And guess what? There's a hilarious "Bachelor Parody" waiting mid-way! Will she get the rose for saving water? Find out by watching the video.

Our achievement is worth celebrating, but it's equally important to remember that water conservation is a continuous journey. As we celebrate our success, let's also remember to keep striving towards reducing our water usage, one drop at a time.

Here are some ways residents can conserve water:

1. Switch to a Drip Irrigation System: Transform your planting beds to a drip system. Drip irrigation targets the root zone directly, which reduces evaporation and runoff, thereby saving water.

2. Frequent Leak Checks: Regularly check for leaks in your house and yard. A small leak can waste thousands of gallons over time. If you find any leaks, fix them promptly.

3. Plant Native Shade Trees: Native trees are adapted to local climate conditions and typically require less water. Planting these trees can provide shade and reduce the amount of water needed for other plants in your yard.

4. Mind the Little Things: Small changes can make a big difference. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, only run full loads of laundry or dishes, and avoid watering your lawn during the heat of the day to minimize evaporation.

Every drop counts, and each effort brings us one step closer to overcoming our water challenges. Let's take action together to help Provo emerge from this drought, one small change at a time.