Fireworks are a festive part of the 4th of July, but they also carry wildfire risk. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers the following tips for safe use this Independence Day.
Choose a large, open launch site with little vegetation, staying roughly 300 feet from forests, woodlands, or grasslands and 150 feet from homes and other structures. Andrea Robards, a forestry, wildlife and natural resources Extension agent at Auburn University, suggested clearing the launch area of combustible material with a rake, broom, or leaf blower and using a non-combustible surface such as tile or concrete.
“Even after a period of heavy rain like we’ve been experiencing, the summer sun can dry out grass, leaves and other ground cover quickly,” Robards said.
Fireworks and explosives are always prohibited in national forests under permanent fire safety regulations.
Call 911 immediately, even for a small fire, and give an exact location. Before responders arrive, open gates or clear barriers that might block access.
“Early notification gives firefighters the best chance to contain the fire before it threatens people, property or natural resources,” Robards said.
A garden hose, buckets of water, a fire extinguisher, or dirt can put out a small fire, but keep monitoring the area afterward, since wildfires can reignite. Evacuate and warn others if fire spreads, and never relight a malfunctioning firework.
Wind, humidity, drought, and temperature all affect firework safety. Many municipal guidelines recommend skipping fireworks when sustained winds top 15 mph, and Robards said fire danger rises sharply when humidity falls below 30 percent, especially combined with wind or high heat.
“Many wildfires occur under drought conditions because fuels ignite more readily and burn more intensely,” Robards said.
If the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning or fire weather watch, avoid fireworks altogether.
After the celebration, let spent fireworks cool, soak them in water, and dispose of them in a metal trash can, then check the area for smoldering debris.
“Proper disposal and post-event inspection can help prevent accidental fires,” Robards said.
Leftover paper, plastic, and metal debris can also harm soil, waterways, and wildlife if not cleaned up promptly.
For more on wildfire safety, visit the forestry and wildlife section at aces.edu.
