Fire Concerns For July 4th Fireworks

sc_flametamer · #1 06-30-2008, 11:08 PM

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?...=63596&catid=2

Quote:

Columbia (WLTX) - For the past several years, July Fourth has rolled around but the rain hasn't, leaving forestry officials concerned again about fireworks threats.

In the Harbison Woods, South Carolina Forestry Commission Staff Forester Michael Bozzo points out the lingering remnants of a controlled burn set last week.

Imagine how much would still be burning if it wasn't controlled.

"The wind blows on the fire, adding oxygen to it, before you know it, you've got a little bit of a flame and it scoots across the very dry grass," said Bozzo.

He says this year's drought and fireworks are the ingredients for a potential disaster. It's actually the winds and low humidity that help fuel the fireworks on the dry grass, so Bozzo says if you must set them off do it in an empty parking lot or cul-de-sac, but make sure no unknowing bystanders are near.

"Igniting grass is fairly common because you have so many more people in the state and so many more that are having their own Fourth celebrations and setting off fireworks," said Bozzo.

Another safety tip, make sure you're not alone when setting off the fireworks. It's another set of eyes to keep you safe.

Bozzo also says you should have a hose or a bucket of water nearby just in case a fire starts so you can put it out. He also recommends keeping a cell phone near to call 911 if you can't battle the fire yourself.

And though the forecast this week is calling for a little bit of rain, don't think that's an invitation to ignite.

"Because a lot of times it's just a quick shower. In a couple hours, with wind and low humidity, it pretty much drys out the straw and ground in a short time," said Bozzo.

He says more forestry officials are on-call this week in case a brush fire breaks out.

I know that I am looking at modifying my plans for this weekend so that I will be available. The last time it was this dry we pretty much ran from sunset till around 0300. Nothing really major, just a bunch of calls.