- The Bonneville Salt Flats will allow fireworks on the Fourth of July despite Utah restrictions.
- The BLM expects 1,000 attendees, double last year, seeking safe celebration alternatives.
- Officials emphasize safety guidelines; fireworks are banned on other BLM-managed Utah lands.
WENDOVER— As fireworks restrictions remain in place across much of Utah due to heightened wildfire concerns, the Bonneville Salt Flats will once again offer a rare place where personal fireworks are permitted on the Fourth of July.
The Bureau of Land Management expects about 1,000 people to gather at the Salt Flats this year — roughly double last year's attendance — as residents look for a safe alternative to celebrate Independence Day.
"I know people were pretty upset about not being able to celebrate in this way, so we're so glad we're able to accommodate them for this," said Ashley Snipes, public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management Utah office.
The Bonneville Salt Flats, a vast expanse of white salt crust near Wendover, draw visitors year-round from around the world. On Independence Day, the iconic landscape transforms into a destination for personal fireworks displays, a tradition that has long been popular with local families.
"The lack of vegetation is what really makes this a great area for fireworks," Snipes said. "A stray spark isn't going to smolder into a bush and start a catastrophic wildfire later on."
Visitors spending time at the salt flats before the holiday said the landscape offers a one-of-a-kind setting.
"It's super stunning," visitor CeLin MacDonald said. "It's very open. It feels very free."
MacDonald said the salt flats attract both Utah residents and tourists eager to experience one of the state's most recognizable landmarks.
"Locals come out, but also tourists come out here and want to see what it's all about," MacDonald said.
MacDonald was part of a group of at least 30 horseback riders gathering to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with what they called "one epic ride" across the expansive landscape.
Fireworks are permitted only on July 4 and only at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Fireworks remain prohibited on all other BLM-managed lands in Utah.
Officials are reminding visitors to follow several safety guidelines, including using only Utah-approved fireworks, parking completely off the access road, igniting fireworks away from the roadway, disposing of trash properly and leaving no trace. Glass containers and wooden pallets are prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to leave pets at home or keep them leashed if they are brought to the area.
"You're kind of celebrating in the best way possible for America 250 because the Salt Flats are very historic," Snipes said. "This is Americana out here, and it's a very unique Utah landscape."
Authorities will be present throughout the holiday to help manage traffic and ensure visitors follow safety rules.
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