Fourth of July celebrations could be disrupted for more than 1 million people in the western U.S. amid dangerously dry conditions, gusty winds and widespread wildfire risk, what the National Weather Service (NWS) calls Critical Fire Weather.
Why It Matters
Fourth of July is known for its fireworks, with some people beginning their celebrations before Independence Day. Fireworks celebrations can be heard throughout the week and certainly on the day itself, but some events could be disrupted this year for people in five states with high wildfire risk.
Red-flag warnings issued by the NWS are in place across California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho on Thursday, affecting more than 1.1 million people.
What To Know
Red-flag warnings have been issued across parts of the Pacific Northwest this week amid a prolonged drought and elevated temperatures. Throughout the week, meteorologists have been urging people to avoid activities that could start a fire, including launching fireworks.
“Fireworks absolutely can contribute [to wildfires],” NWS meteorologist Justin Collins told Newsweek. “We have such dry fuels out here, the fine grasses and things like that, and any sort of spark could get those grasses to ignite. Once you have the winds on top of that, it’ll just carry that flame. You could get a fire to rapidly spread.”
A fireworks celebration in Rifle, Colorado, was canceled on Thursday amid wildfire concerns.
Earlier in the week, the NWS office in Spokane, Washington, urged people to avoid anything that could start a fire when a red-flag warning was in place for central Washington.
The Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, Nevada, reminded residents that fireworks are illegal in the county in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.
“A Red Flag Warning has been issued from Noon today until Midnight due to gusty winds and low humidity,” the post said. “Please postpone or avoid any outdoor activities that can spark a fire. The wildfire threat is high. And remember fireworks are illegal in @washoecounty.”
What People Are Saying
Rifle, Colorado, Parks and Recreation Director Austin Rickstrew, in a report by the Post Independent: “With all the recent fires, we feel more comfortable cancelling them. We’ll try again next year and we’ll still have them for Hometown Holidays in the winter.”
NWS Reno, in a red-flag warning: “The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions.”
What Happens Next
Most red-flag warnings will expire at midnight but could be reissued on Friday depending on conditions.
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