CYPRESS, Texas – It wouldn’t feel like the Fourth of July without fireworks. Most people know to be careful while lighting firecrackers, fountains, Roman candles, and more, but fewer realize that just as much danger lies in what happens after. Improper cleanup and disposal of spent fireworks is a leading cause of fireworks-related house fires.
“Even fireworks that appear extinguished can smolder undetected for hours, turning trash cans, garages, and other enclosed spaces into ignition points,” says Cy-Fair Fire Department (CFFD) Fire Chief Amy Ramon. “Over the years, our department has responded to numerous structure fires that were a result of improper fireworks disposal, and in nearly every case, the resident simply didn’t know. That’s why CFFD is taking a proactive stand against this crucial part of fireworks safety.”
This Fourth of July holiday season, the department is launching a first-time Community Risk Reduction initiative: a free fireworks safety bucket program designed to make safe disposal simple for residents. Beginning June 24 and running through July 3, CFFD will distribute 3,600 safety buckets through participating fireworks retailers, select Cypress-area H-E-B grocery stores, and the department’s administration building…