“Specific areas that are particularly vulnerable range from Oregon to Mexico. All of California is vulnerable,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief John Heggie said, given the ongoing drought and hot temperatures.
Fire patrols will be in effect to seize illegal fireworks, and there will be zero tolerance, Heggie added.
A Colorado town will continue its show
While some areas are canceling their shows, one town in Colorado is choosing to stay true to tradition.
“We actually scaled back the fireworks this year to focus on the community experience leading up to the fireworks,” the City of Louisville website said. “The intention of the celebration is to be inclusive and welcoming to the entire community as we heal together from the Marshall Fire.”
“We didn’t want to jeopardize the safety of our community with errant fireworks or falling debris,” Croom said.
California authorities warn of the dangers of fireworks
Another city affected by recent wildfires is choosing to do something radically different.
However, a traditional fireworks display will continue as scheduled in South Lake Tahoe, an area evacuated in August because of the Caldor Fire.
“Preparation for the fireworks requires significant watering in the days leading up to the show, representing approximately 650,000 gallons of water,” the press release reads.
With a hot and dry holiday weekend ahead, California officials are reminding residents of the state’s vulnerability to wildfires, given the ongoing drought.
“The reality is that every year we have wildfires started by legal and illegal fireworks,” Heggie acknowledged.
Heggie’s biggest concern is small explosives like bottle rockets and Roman candles, and people who use “safe and healthy” fireworks in areas where they are illegal.
He warned: “Please understand that your good intentions can have devastating effects.
New Mexico governor signs executive order to ban fireworks
The city banned fireworks in open spaces, but allowed purchased fireworks from retail stores and stands within city limits.
“Read the warning label. If it says ‘WARNING’, it’s illegal. If it reads ‘CAUTION’, it’s legal.” fireworks ordinance reads.
Albuquerque has already started patrolling the entire city ahead of the holidays. The city warns “those who are caught will be cited and will have a mandatory appearance in court”.
Laser lights instead of fireworks
Lynze Twede, events manager for Salt Lake City Public Lands, said the city council voted to shift funding for a fireworks show to an “alternative event” earlier this year.
“[The city council] wanted to make a change and try to be an example to improve our air quality and not contribute to the already high fire danger,” Twede stressed.
Salt Lake City hopes to captivate its audience and entertain people of all ages with the transition to a laser light display held July 2 and 23.
“People can still come and expect to see an awesome sight. But with this innovative new way, we’re just lighting up our skies a little differently this year,” Twede added.
Much of western Utah, including Salt Lake City, is under a red flag warning Saturday through Monday “for wind and low relative humidity,” according to the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City. .
Strong southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph are forecast with wind gusts up to 45 mph possible Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to decrease overnight.
“Switching from traditional fireworks to a laser light show was the responsible action to take due to the extreme fire hazard with the dry and hot conditions in Northland,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. “Having a safe celebration and being aware of the fire is extremely important.”
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