Wednesday, July 04, 2007

A Not So Spectacular 4th

While we here in New York are hoping for dry weather tonight to see the fireworks extravaganza over the East River, there are many places across the country that are canceling their fireworks show due to fire danger. Many regions are experiencing severe droughts that cause extremely dangerous fire conditions. The South, Southwest, parts of Appalachia and even Minnesota are having a hard time accruing precipitation to meet the needs of their locales.

From USAToday:


A laser light show will replace traditional July Fourth fireworks in Burbank, Calif. Woodstock, Ga., canceled its fireworks and plans to shoot them off on Halloween.

Dozens of communities in drought-stricken areas are scrapping public fireworks displays and cracking down on backyard pyrotechnics to reduce the risk of fires.

"From a fire standpoint and a safety standpoint, it was an easy call," Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini says. He recommended calling off fireworks at the Starlight Bowl because they're launched from a mountainside covered with vegetation that's "all dead."


Los Angeles and the surrounding Southwest are beginning to get used to dry conditions. Studies are beginning to predict perpetual drought in that region. Now many other areas have to deal with the changing climate and that includes not seeing fireworks on July 4th. Of course many people will set off illegal pyrotechnics despite the bans and fines. That is exactly why many communities are canceling their shows so that local fire departments can focus on putting out those fires.

For all those considering to put on their own show, please consider watching something on TV, you aren't only endangering yourself, you are putting your community at risk.