Why local fireworks shows are the much safer choice this Fourth

State fire officials are urging North Carolinians to attend professional fireworks shows this Fourth of July, warning that hot conditions across the state could heighten wildfire risk.

Parts of the state will face high fire danger on the holiday, according to the N.C. State Climate Office’s fire danger index, which tracks wildfire ignition and spread conditions. The index shows much of the Triangle and central North Carolina in the “Extreme” category on the Fourth of July, the highest level for wildfire risk.

In a June 25 news release, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor encouraged residents to stay away from at-home fireworks and instead attend professional shows.

“While fireworks can be exciting, the dangers simply are not worth the risk,” Taylor said. “Between the dry conditions we are experiencing and the potential for serious injuries, we strongly encourage families to leave fireworks to trained professionals and attend one of the many outstanding community displays taking place across North Carolina.”

Professional displays are handled by licensed operators trained to conduct shows safely, with designated “fallout zones” where debris is expected to land, Taylor said. Fires can start when fireworks are used by people without training and smoldering debris lands in residential or wooded areas.

The N.C. Forest Service identifies careless debris burning as the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

Even a single spark or hot debris from a firework can ignite dry vegetation when temperatures are high and humidity is low, said Christie Adams, information and education branch head for the N.C. Forest Service. Wind can also cause fires to spread quickly, and improperly extinguished fireworks and cartridges can reignite and start fires.

Officials from the N.C. Forest Service said North Carolina is in a “better situation” than it was two months ago, with vegetation having “greened up,” but drought conditions can still make fires burn longer, hotter and more intensely, making them harder to control.

“If you see these conditions, it’s a good day to do something else,” Adams said. “Let burning wait.”

According to ABC11’s forecast, temperatures could exceed 100 degrees on the Fourth of July, with a slight chance of storms.

The N.C. Forest Service recommends some safety tips for anyone planning to use fireworks:

• Use fireworks in a large, open area, preferably on pavement and away from trees, dry grass and other combustible materials
• Keep a hose or other water source, along with a rake or shovel and a cellphone, nearby in case a fire starts
• Never use fireworks without adult supervision or while under the influence of alcohol
• Let used and dud fireworks cool for at least 20 minutes, then soak them in water for several hours (overnight if possible) before double-bagging them in sealable plastic bags for disposal
• The safest way to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire is to leave fireworks to professionals