As the U.S. prepares for its 250th anniversary Fourth of July celebrations, officials across the West are urging families to skip backyard fireworks as extreme wildfire danger prompts widespread restrictions.
Utah has imposed a statewide ban on personal fireworks, while governors in Colorado and New Mexico have urged caution. Cities and counties across the Southwest, Oregon and Washington have also introduced restrictions or canceled displays. Professional fireworks shows, however, are still scheduled nationwide, from Mount Rushmore to Washington, D.C.
The concern comes amid record dry conditions that have fueled hundreds of wildfires across the West in the past week alone, pushing this year’s burned acreage above average. An unusually dry winter, a poor snowpack, and persistent windy weather have left much of the region especially vulnerable, while drought also affects parts of the East Coast and the South.
open image in galleryAbout 85% of wildfires are caused by people, whether through fireworks, unattended campfires or equipment failures. Fire ecology professor Philip Higuera of the University of Montana said fireworks are a major reason wildfire starts spike every July 4.
“It’s not because the Fourth of July is always warm, dry and windy,” he said. “It’s because there are a lot of ignitions added to the landscape on that single day.”
Some communities have decided the risk is too high. Colorado Springs canceled its annual fireworks show as a nearby wildfire burned more than 55 square miles and destroyed over 100 structures. Some Florida counties have also issued burn bans. In Alamosa, Colorado, Fire Chief Frank Wirth reluctantly called off the town’s display.
open image in gallery“I think they’re disappointed, and I’m disappointed too,” Wirth said. “But fireworks are a cause of fires. There’s no two ways about it.”
The fireworks industry generated $2.3 billion in sales last year and expects even higher demand during the America 250 celebrations. Industry officials are urging consumers to buy only from licensed retailers, follow safety instructions and fully soak used fireworks before disposal.
Fire officials say the safest choice is to leave fireworks to the professionals, who have emergency crews on standby. Many communities are also turning to drone light shows as a safer alternative to traditional pyrotechnics.