Despite rain, fireworks are still a fire hazard

There’s no doubt that fireworks are enjoyed by millions each year as Independence Day approaches.

Each year thousands of fires occur due in large part to the misuse of fireworks, or to very dry conditions. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, on average there are 20,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.

A big portion of those occur in areas that are suffering from a drought, as most of the vegetation is bone dry and lacks any water.

Here in Mid-Missouri, while we aren’t seeing anything in the way of a drought we still have the potential for fires from fireworks.

Boone Country Fire Protection district assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp says that despite the 4-8 inches of rain that fell across Mid-Missouri this month, the concern for fires lies in the dead vegetation.

“There’s always that potential for fires or natural cover fires to occur from lighting off fireworks,” Blomenkamp said. “Part of the reason for that is because people do mow some of the heavy grass we’ve gotten from the rain and so that grass that’s laying on top can be dead.”

Blomenkamp says in addition to the dead vegetation, you do not want to shoot fireworks anywhere near gutters, as they typically have dead leaves which could pose a fire concern.

Safety is always the key and it’s important to make sure you remain vigilant when shooting fireworks and take all precautions, even with rain in the forecast, to prevent fires.