North Carolina Fire Officials Warn 13,000 Fireworks Injuries, 2,000-Degree Sparklers Raise July 4 Wildfire Risk
Updated
Updated · WLOS · Jul 2
North Carolina Fire Officials Warn 13,000 Fireworks Injuries, 2,000-Degree Sparklers Raise July 4 Wildfire Risk
3 articles · Updated · WLOS · Jul 2
Summary
Storm-hit western North Carolina faces elevated July Fourth fire danger, with Asheville crews on standby for both professional shows and backyard fireworks in areas still littered with Helene debris.
2,000-degree sparklers can melt some metals, officials said, underscoring how even store-bought fireworks can cause severe burns and ignite brush or wood lines.
13,000-plus fireworks injuries were reported nationwide last year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and officials said improperly extinguished campfires or embers can also reignite and spread.
About 85% of U.S. wildfires are human-caused, State Forester Michael Cheek said, as authorities urged residents to avoid illegal home displays and leave fireworks to professionals.