Some cities across the American west banned fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July weekend amid fears that pyrotechnics could spark catastrophic wildfires during a historic heatwave.
Authorities warn that the combination of record-high temperatures, extreme drought conditions, in addition to fireworks creates a tinderbox-like situation that could quickly turn devastating.
The fire department in Portland issued a prohibition on all fireworks due to the high temperatures and dry conditions, according to the city’s ABC affiliate, KATU.
Moreover, Bend and Tualatin, Oregon, have also banned the use of fireworks through 9 July, the news station reported.
“If we don’t take this proactive step now, I fear the consequences could be devastating,” the Portland fire chief, Sara Boone, said in a statement.
“It is not easy to make a decision like this so close to our national holiday, but as fire chief I feel I have a higher responsibility to sometimes make unpopular decisions during unprecedented times to protect life, property and the environment,” Boone added.
Meanwhile, officials in Clark county have banned the sale and use of fireworks in parts of the county from 29 June until midnight on 4 July because of significant fire risks.
“We recognize that this decision will cause some hardship to some residents’ celebration plans as well as businesses and non-profit organizations that sell fireworks,” said Eileen Quiring O’Brien, the county council chair, according to KATU.
“We empathize with all who are affected, but we must follow county codes. They are in place to protect the welfare and safety of Clark county residents.”
Yreka, California located less than 30 miles from the raging Lava Fire, that has already consumed more than 13,000 acres.
In the same context, city officials also announced a ban on fireworks, according to KOBI5, an NBC affiliate.
“Due to adverse conditions, all public fireworks displays and sale are prohibited [within] city limits until further notice … Fireworks activity [within] city limits will be prosecuted,” they said in a statement.
There have been local bans on private fireworks use elsewhere in the US west, including some municipalities Utah and Montana.
Some cities, such as Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and tourist venues have canceled their shows.
In addition, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, which has routinely held a fireworks show outside its casino near Camp Verde in central Arizona, has also canceled its display, the AP reported.
“This year, with conditions being worse than last year, we decided in May that we would not have fireworks,” a spokesman for the nation’s Cliff Castle Casino hotel told the AP. “Based on the large fires currently burning in and around our community, we’re happy with our decision.”
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