Wildfires are prompting cities and states across the United States to restrict fireworks displays as the nation approaches the Fourth of July holiday. This year's celebrations coincide with widespread wildfire activity, particularly in the Western U.S., fueled by dry and windy conditions.
Utah has issued a statewide ban on personal fireworks, with Governor Spencer Cox declaring an emergency due to extreme wildfire risk. Other states, including Colorado and New Mexico, have seen governors urging restraint. Numerous cities and counties from the Southwest to Oregon and Washington have also imposed their own restrictions, encouraging families to attend professional displays instead of using personal fireworks.
This comes as the U.S. prepares for the nation's 250th anniversary, with large-scale fireworks displays still planned in various locations, including Mount Rushmore and Washington D.C. However, recent weeks have seen hundreds of wildfires erupt across the West, contributing to an above-average pace for acreage burned this year. While the Southwest experienced an unusually dry winter with minimal snowpack, drought conditions are also affecting parts of the East Coast and the South, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Experts note that approximately 85% of wildfires are human-caused, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Fireworks act as an ignition source, leading to a spike in fires each July Fourth. Philip Higuera, a fire ecology professor at the University of Montana, explained that the increase in fires on this specific day is due to the large number of ignitions introduced to the landscape.
While Utah has implemented statewide restrictions, decisions in other areas are being made at the local level. Some cities and counties have banned fireworks, and certain Florida counties have issued burn bans. For instance, fire chief Frank Wirth in Alamosa, Colorado, canceled his town's fireworks display due to expected dry conditions, a decision he acknowledged would disappoint residents but was necessary given the fire risk.
The fireworks industry reported $2.3 billion in sales last year, with projections suggesting this figure could reach $3 billion this year due to America 250 celebrations. Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, advises consumers to purchase from licensed sellers and follow instructions carefully to prevent injuries. She also recommends having a bucket of water readily available to douse spent fireworks before disposal, as combustion can continue even after flames have subsided.
Wildland fire experts emphasize the importance of heeding local authorities and any restrictions in place. Joe Ten Eyck, a wildland fire expert with the International Association of Fire Fighters, stated that conditions dictate tactics, which may require people to celebrate in different ways. Intentionally or unintentionally causing a wildfire is a punishable offense nationwide, with consequences varying by jurisdiction. The safest alternative for celebrations remains attending professional displays, which often have fire crews on standby or utilize drone shows to minimize fire risk.