Extreme Fire Danger @ The Springs
Todays bulletin from the North Carolina Foirestry Service
Celebrate safely. Leave the fireworks to the professionals this year.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, our recommendation for reducing the risk that fireworks ignite a wildfire is to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Avoid fireworks at home and attend organized, professional displays where safety measures are required and in place.
If you or someone you know intend to use fireworks at home, use recommended best practices to minimize the risk.
As far as behaviors or common culprits for mishaps with fireworks, there are certainly a few.
Never use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
Aiming a firework in the wrong direction can be trouble. Fireworks should not be pointed toward trees, bushes, hedges, dry leaves, etc. Igniting fireworks near woods, dry vegetation or combustible material that could be fuel for a fire should be avoided.
Fireworks should be used in a safe place, preferably a large, open, paved is ideal, area or near a body of water.
Fireworks should always be used with adult supervision and never under the influence of alcohol.
Not having the right tools nearby when something goes awry is a common mistake. Anyone using fireworks at home should have a rake or shovel and a water source nearby (a hose or buckets of water) while fireworks are in use. Have a cellphone in case something does go awry and help is needed.
Another common mistake is not properly extinguishing and disposing of the debris, burning material or used cartridges afterward. Allow all debris, burning material and used cartridges to cool for at least 20 minutes. Once cool to the touch, all debris, burning material, used and dud cartridges should be soaked in a bucket of water for at least several hours but overnight is best. If you have a metal bucket, that’s the way to go. Keep the bucket away from grass and vegetation. Remove the wet debris from the water. Double-bag it in sealable plastic before disposal.
Again, the best way to prevent starting a wildfire with fireworks is to leave the fireworks to the professionals. The best and safest practice is to attend organized, professional fireworks displays.
Helpful Wildfire Prevention Resources
The safest fireworks are the ones you watch. See why professional fireworks displays are the best way to celebrate AND prevent wildfires.
A helpful resource for landowners and the public is www.preventwildfirenc.org. This N.C. Forest Service site provides trusted guidance and best practices to help you prepare forand prevent wildfire.
More Short Videos about Safe Use of At-Home Fireworks
The N.C. Forest Service is a division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Steve Troxler, Commissioner
N.C. Forest Service | ncforestservice.gov