Fayetteville urging caution; officials worry dry conditions could help sparks become wild fire

Peachtree City fire officials are asking residents to forego the use of personal fireworks this July 4th in light of the ongoing drought.

The city’s annual fireworks display over Lake Peachtree is still on, however, and residents are encouraged to attend that event instead of lighting their own fireworks.

Fayetteville fire officials, meanwhile, are simply urging caution for those who decide to use their own fireworks anyway. And Fayette County fire officials are asking residents to use only legal fireworks with caution in hopes of preventing brush fires.

Any stray spark from fireworks has the potential to cause a significant fire, several fire officials have said.

Acting Peachtree City Fire Chief Ed Eiswerth noted that the entire state has been in a drought since early spring, and the wild fires in south Georgia are still ongoing.

“The dry conditions affect trees, shrubs, plants and landscaping beds all around residential structures,” Eiswerth said. “This year’s drought conditions make any accidents and potential damage to homes even greater.”

Fayetteville Fire Chief Alan Jones suggested it would be best to save personal fireworks until it’s not so dry outside and attend Peachtree City’s display or any others offered in the area instead.

Residents who choose to do their own fireworks should make sure the area is well-supervised and set off in a safe place to reduce the chances of starting a brush fire, Jones said.

Fireworks have the potential to cause injury or death, as many can reach temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, officials said.

“Safe and sane fireworks don’t exist,” according to Dr. John Hall of the National Fire Protection Association. “When things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong, very fast.”

Fires related to fireworks typically cause $20 million in property loss each year, according to the NFPA.

Residents are encouraged to call 911 immediately if they see or suspect a brush fire so they can be quickly extinguished before they have a chance to get out of hand, potentially endangering life and property.

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