TAMPA, Fla. — With the Fourth of July days away, dry weather and burn bans in parts of Florida have some Tampa locals worried about fires.
Julie Gentry, a Tampa resident, said the heat has taken a toll on the grass and plants in her backyard, but the real concern is a potential fire.
“I don’t want to lose my home because somebody else wants to set off fireworks in their driveway,” she said.
Florida currently has seven burn bans, including in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Galaxy Fireworks said it is paying close attention to the conditions. Showroom Manager Andrew Domonko said sales typically increase at the company’s dozens of tents and four showrooms just before the holiday.
“It’s been a little bit slow with the burn bans lately. It’s starting to pick up,” Domonko said.
Domonko said Galaxy Fireworks is trying to make sure customers use its products safely.
“We’ve been trying to follow all the modern safety standards, making sure our operators know all the conditions in their county,” he said.
Rob Herrin with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said people who choose to use fireworks can take steps to reduce risk.
“Have some water standing by. Garden hose, at least a bucket, you know,” Herrin said. “Use the fireworks as intended. Point them straight up. Don’t pair them up one at a time. Don’t point them at anybody. Try to keep them away from structures and vehicles. If you can get them out a little further away, that’d be good.”
Gentry said she would like to see a ban on personal fireworks during the current weather conditions. Even without one, she said she hopes people will consider other ways to celebrate.
“Give it a break at home. Go watch the professional shows, and we’ll all be safe,” she said.