Western Towns Cancel July 4 Fireworks as 3 Die in Utah-Colorado Border Blaze
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 4
Western Towns Cancel July 4 Fireworks as 3 Die in Utah-Colorado Border Blaze
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 4
Summary
Silverton, Colorado, and other Western towns scrapped Fourth of July fireworks as local officials warned the holiday could ignite fast-moving wildfires.
An early, intense fire season has already stretched crews across California, Arizona, New Mexico and other Western states, with a blaze on the Utah-Colorado border killing three people Sunday.
Warm winter conditions and severe drought have left grass, brush and trees highly flammable, while forecast extreme heat and strong winds for July 4 threaten to accelerate any new fires.
The cancellations underscore how wildfire risk is reshaping holiday traditions in small mountain communities even as the United States heads toward its 250th anniversary celebrations.