Sat, 02 Jul 22 09:02:01 +0000

Western cities become creative after Megadrought leads to cancel the fireworks display

(CNN)The city is traditional because of the severe droughtofin the southwest. We are making tough decisions about droughts. show. Some cities have decided to cancel the fireworks display, while others have chosen to continue.

Dry vegetation and lack of rainfall have caused more than 75% of westerndroughtsCurrently, first responders and other officials are independent. Warning to the public about the risks of the anniversary of the fireworks in July.

"Some areas that are particularly vulnerable are vulnerable all the way from Oregon to Mexico. California as a whole is vulnerable," said John Heggy, California Fire Commander, considering the ongoing drought and warm temperatures. And said. According to the

National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 19,500 fireworks were launched in 2018 by fireworks. In addition, nearly 30% of the fires caused by fireworks ignited on July 4. Annual average from 2014 to 2018.

In addition, a CNN analysis of theNational Interagency Fire Centerdata shows that there has been a surge in new wildfires over the last eight years surrounding the July 4th holiday.

Heggy added that fireworks patrols were carried out to seize illegal fireworks and the tolerance was zero.

Colorado Cities Continue Show

Some regions have canceled the show, but Colorado Cities choose to keep tradition doing.

Louisville, Colorado wants to continue the fireworks display in a city northwest of Denver to prevent wildfires. The city's websitepointed out that it wants to "reduce the number of illegal private shows" on displays that are being actively monitored by the fire department.

Six months ago, theMarshall Firedevastated parts of Boulder County, including Louisville. Burning over 6,000 acres, the fire reached the golf course on Monday, where the city hosts a fireworks show.

"We actually reduced the fireworks display this year to focus on the community experience leading up to the fireworks," said the Louisville City website. "The purpose of the celebration is to embrace and welcome the entire community as they are healed together from the Marshall fire."

On the south side of Denver, another town of the current wildfire I chose to cancel the fireworks show because of the danger. Castle Rock, Colorado has been subject toStage 1 fire limitssince April. Norris Kroom, chief of the Castle Rock fire department, said the show wasn't worth the risk.

"I didn't want to threaten the safety of the community by accidentally dropping fireworks and debris," Kroom emphasized.

More than half of Coloradohas been hit by drought, making the environment extremely sensitive to wildfires. In the state, only professional and licensed fireworks festivals are allowed, and all other fireworks are considered illegal.

California officials warn about the dangers of fireworks

Another town affected by the recent wildfires is fundamentally different I have chosen to do.

After passingCaldorFirein 2021, North Lake Tahoe skips fireworks in favor of thedrone light display

"decision fireworks Created with the fire and environmental risks posed by the exhibition in mind, it changed its long-standing tradition with an innovative new approach. ”The city's releasewas announced.

However, in South Lake Tahoe, which was evacuated in August due to the Caldor fire, a traditional fireworks display will be held as planned.

Claremont, California is replacing the fireworks show with a free community concert in the easternmost suburbs of Los Angeles. The city explained in anews releasethat ongoing drought water restriction played a major role in the cancellation decision.

"Preparing for a fireworks show requires a lot of watering in the days leading up to the show, accounting for about 650,000 gallons of water," the news release said.

When a hot and dry holiday weekend comes, California officials remind residents of the state's vulnerability to wildfires, given the ongoing drought.

"In reality, every year, legal and illegal fireworks cause wildfires," Heggie admits.

Heggie's primary concern is people using small explosives such as bottle rockets and Roman candles, and "safe and healthy" fireworks in illegal areas.

He warned, "Understand that your good intentions may have a devastating effect."

Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyAlso requires customers to "put safety first" and comply with local rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

New Mexico Governor Signs Execution Order Banning Fireworks

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs Execution Order in Late AprilSpecific fireworks from a state-wide "severe drought and fire situation" that signedand urged counties, cities, and local governments to consider bans.

And as thelargest wildfirecontinues to burn in New Mexico's history, cities like Albuquerque want to prevent further devastation.

"Albuquerque has a unique wilderness urban interface with open space areas that are constantly under fire threat," said theCity Fireworks Ordinance. Many kinds of wildlife nearby.

The city has a space that prohibits fireworks in the open air, but allows fireworks purchased from retail stores and stands in the city limits.

"Read the warning label. If" Warning "is displayed, it is illegal. If "Caution" is displayed, it is legal. Read the Fireworks Ordinance.

Albuquerque has already begun to patrol the city before the vacation. The city warns that "captured people will be quoted and forced to appear in court."

Albuquerque will continue its freeFreedom Forceshow, including professional fireworks, on July 4th.

Laser Light Instead of Fireworks

In Salt Lake City, Utah, instead of the traditional fireworks show,Laser Light Nightis 2 It will be held once. July.

Linde Tweed, event manager for Salt Lake City's public land, said the city council voted to transfer funds from the fireworks display to an "alternative event" earlier this year.

"The [city council] wanted to be an example for making changes, improving air quality, and not contributing to the already high risk of fire," Twede said. Emphasized.

Salt Lake City hopes to captivate spectators and entertain people of all ages with the transition to laser light displays on July 2nd and 23rd. .. Watch an awe-inspiring show. But with this new and innovative way, we're illuminating the sky a little differently this year, "Twede added.

According to the Salt Lake City National Meteorological Service, much of western Utah, including Salt Lake City, issues warnings "due to wind and low relative humidity" from Saturday to Monday.

Strong southerly winds of 20-30 mph are expected, and gusts of up to 45 mph can occur on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings. The wind is expected to decrease all night.

⚠️ Current fire alert
🗺 Western Utah

🧭 Saturday to Monday
❓ Gust southerly and very low humidity Create critical fire weather conditions.— NWS SaltLakeCity (@NWSSaltLakeCity)July 1, 2022

And throughout Arizona,pipeline fireRecently forced hundreds of Flagstaffs residents to evacuate. Most of the fire is contained, but the risk of burns to Flagstaff remains.

Flagstaff wants to host a safe event in historic downtown with's new laser light showto continue its annual city celebrations. ..

"The transition from traditional fireworks to laser light shows was a responsible action to take due to the extreme fire risk in the dry and hot conditions of Northland," said Flagstaff City Manager. , Greg Clifton said. "It is very important to have a safe celebration and beware of fires."

The US Forest Officestates that fire limits can vary from place to place. It is important to investigate the ban on burns.

At the Arizona-New Mexico border, the southwest monsoon anticipates thunderstorms scattered on holiday weekends. This has slightly improved drought conditions in the two states, but in the westsummer outlookcontinues to appear hot and dry.