The State Fire Marshal is warning North Carolinians to avoid setting off fireworks at home during Fourth of July celebrations due to extreme drought conditions that create a heightened fire risk.
Drought Conditions
According to the latest drought status, 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 hasn’t happened in 18 years.
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 said. ‘That can be very dangerous, because it can explode.’
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, and celebrate responsibly and be mindful of neighbors, pets, and first responders.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
