Fireworks and Fire Season: The Ultimate Foes
By Ruby Virchow
Photo of patriotic fireworks courtesy of J.Chen
After months in lockdown, it’s no question that most Americans are looking for a traditional Fourth of July celebration. One that includes BBQs, swimming, and of course, fireworks. But with California in a severe drought and fire season causing panic, many city and state officials are urging residents to celebrate without the explosives.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. While it’s no secret that climate change and forest management play a major role in the spread of California’s wildfires, what’s often overlooked is the human impact. From Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s power lines in Northern California to the gender reveal fireworks that started the El Dorado fire, 88 percent of wildfires from 2016 to 2020 were human caused. This number can significantly be lowered if California had stricter firework laws. Currently, fireworks are illegal in some parts of California but not all. There is zero tolerance for the use or sale of larger fireworks like sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, and other types of explosives that go into the air or move in an uncontrollable manner. However, these laws leave room for error, pushing many Californias to drive out to states like Nevada where firework laws are more lenient.
With 41 of California’s 58 counties in drought, fire safety is more important than ever before. Fire seasons continue to become longer and harsher, spanning almost the entire year. We risk our water, our homes, and the people that make our state so special. To reduce the human impact of wildfires, as well as our impact on issues like climate change, it’s important we do our part year round. The Fourth of July is just one day, and banning the use of fireworks doesn’t mean all the fun has to stop. Besides, what’s more patriotic than taking care of our Golden State?
Here are some alternatives to lighting your own fireworks:
Red, white, and blue glowsticks. You could also fill festive Fourth of July balloons with LED lights.
Confetti cannons. Not only does it mimic the loud pop of fireworks, but it’s less dangerous. Try to find biodegradable confetti to make it environmentally friendly too!
Bonfire. It’s a safe, contained way to have fire around, while also staying warm.
Laser light show. Create the illusion of fireworks in the sky with a projector.
See a professional fireworks show. City and counties will still be hosting Fourth of July firework shows. Not only do you avoid the hassle of lighting your own fireworks, these shows are safer and run by trained professionals.
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Read more by Ruby at Ruby-Writes.com