Fireworks Could Spark Flames in Dry Conditions
1,078 views · Published 4 July 2012 · 2:16 · Indexed 24 October 2026
Channel: Dayton 24/7 Now · 2012 · News & Politics
DAYTON -- The dry weather in the Miami Valley is creating a fire hazard. That's why there's so much concern about people setting off fireworks while celebrating Independence Day. You need to know about the growing fire danger and how you can avoid turning a dry field into a wildfire. Aisha Shaw spent 00 on fireworks. "Once we get to Kentucky we're going to blast them off and do all that good stuff and let them have a ball," she said. She will allow her kids to play with sparklers here in town. "Normally I try to like wet the grass area a little bit before I let them have their sparkler fun and all that," said Shaw.It's illegal to shoot off fireworks in Ohio but, you can have sparklers. Even so they could catch the dry grass on fire so that's why you should always have some H2O close by."We have had grass fires yes," said Dayton Fire Chief Herbert Redden. He said the dry conditions have been keeping firefighters busy, nearly doubling the number of calls they go out on. Redden said having water close by for sparklers is a good thing however, "You can not discharge fireworks in the city of Dayton without a permit." Having water for rockets, roman candles and other types of fireworks won't cut it. "I don't want anyone saying I did what the chief said. He said get a bucket of water. No, no no, it's illegal," the chief said.Some people will set them off anyway. "We like to have a little fun and get together and set off some fireworks. It's all for the kids you know," said Paul Houseman. He will keep a hose around just in case. "Those individuals who are going to take the law into their own hands, risk the chance of being arrested," said Chief Redden.
