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Causes.com
| 7.3.22

Shortages and Wildfire Concerns Cancel Some July 4th Fireworks

Will you be attending a fireworks show this Independence Day?

What’s the story

  • Some Fourth of July fireworks displays have been canceled over staffing and supply shortages, as well as wildfire concerns. 
  • To compensate, some cities are getting creative. A major fireworks show in Arizona is being replaced by a laser light show, and one in North Lake Tahoe, California will be replaced by drones. 
  • Despite some cancellations, Julie L. Heckman, the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, told NPR:
"Unless you're in a really remote area where that was the only show, most people will be able to find a show nearby.”
  • Heckman says she expects the country to see close to 17,000 professional firework displays, an increase from the pre-pandemic average of around 16,000 shows. 

The big picture

  • Firefighters and safety experts urge civilians to leave fireworks to the professionals. 
  • The National Fire Protection Agency estimated that over 19,000 fires were started by fireworks in 2018. More than a quarter of fires started by fireworks between 2014 to 2018 were reported on the Fourth of July.
  • In 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that at least 18 people died from firework-related incidents and over 15,000 people were treated for fireworks injuries. Eight deaths and about 66 percent of injuries occurred between June 21 and July 21. 

Fire safety tips

  • If you plan on lighting fireworks or even just at-home sparklers, be sure to follow these safety tips. 
  • Make sure you know what, if any, fireworks are legal in your area. Do not use illegal fireworks. 
  • Keep young children away from fireworks or sparklers.
  • Don’t light fireworks on windy nights or near dry grass and other flammable materials. Do not light fireworks inside. 
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby and douse used fireworks with water to ensure they're completely extinguished before discarding them.
  • Never attempt to re-light a malfunctioning firework, soak it in water immediately and throw it away. 
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Do not use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

What do you think?

Have fireworks been canceled in your area? Will you be attending a fireworks display this Independence Day?


-Casey Dawson

(Photo Credit: Flickr / Marco Verch)