The State Fire Marshal is urging North Carolinians to avoid setting off fireworks at home during Fourth of July celebrations as extreme drought conditions create a heightened fire risk.
Every year, fireworks cause thousands of injuries nationwide, often occurring during at-home celebrations with family and friends. Burns to the hands, face, and eyes are among the most common injuries treated in emergency rooms during the Independence Day holiday.
State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor says most injuries are the result of people not knowing or ignoring a product’s limitations.
“Some people want to make it bigger and better, and some of the devices, like using PVC pipe to detonate it and send it as an aerial device,” Taylor told WRAL. “That can be very dangerous, because it can explode.”
This year, the concern stretches beyond what can happen to our bodies.
“The drought conditions are much higher than what they have been in the past, so that’s a great concern across the state,” says Taylor.
According to the latest drought status released this week, seven percent of the state is still under exceptional drought – the highest category. Parts of the Triangle are included in that “exceptional” drought area, which WRAL meteorologists say hasn’t happened in 18 years. It’s the perfect condition for a single spark to cause a potentially devastating fire, and it is why Taylor says it’s best to just leave fireworks to the pros.
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“We encourage people to celebrate, but in a safe manner,” says Taylor. “We encourage everyone to go out to a professional show, because there are plenty throughout North Carolina, and those are the professionals. They take the measures necessary to keep our public safe and our property safe.”
The Office of State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to:
• Attend professional fireworks displays in their community.
• Follow local burn bans and fire safety advisories.
• Keep children away from all fireworks, including sparklers.
• Have a plan to report fires immediately by calling 911.
• Celebrate responsibly and be mindful of neighbors, pets, and first responders.