The Brief
- Florida officials will not enforce a statewide fireworks ban for the Fourth of July despite ongoing wildfire concerns.
- Firefighters urge people to keep water nearby, maintain a safe distance and dispose of used fireworks properly.
- All 47 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue stations will remain fully staffed through the entire holiday weekend.
TAMPA, Fla. – Fireworks will illuminate the Florida sky this Fourth of July as residents celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but officials are preaching caution amid statewide drought conditions.
Statewide celebration plans
What we know:
State officials do not plan to impose a statewide ban on fireworks ahead of the holiday despite persistent concerns regarding wildfires and dry weather. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson noted that the widespread festivities create safety worries, because hundreds of thousands of people will potentially light fireworks simultaneously.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Public Information Chief Rob Herrin stated that dry conditions in parts of the county can rapidly transform a tiny spark into a massive wildfire. To handle emergencies, Herrin confirmed that all 47 county stations will be fully staffed throughout the holiday period.
By the numbers:…