Fire chief warns of unusually high fire risk; Sierra Vista organizers outline rules and schedule for July 4 fireworks

Fry Fire Chief Mark Savage warned that fuel-moisture readings supplied by the Coronado National Forest indicate higher-than-usual fire risk this year, and he urged residents to observe strict fireworks safety on the Fourth of July.

"The fire risk right now this year is worse than it's ever been," Savage said on the July 4 First Watch radio program. He said fuel moistures for the year are well below figures from earlier years and that "any potential sources of ignition can start a fire." He advised residents to reserve aerial or projectile fireworks to licensed professionals, keep consumer fireworks on private property and to supervise children closely.

Savage explained what is legal and what is not on local sales: fireworks purchased from local stores or licensed tents that are limited to ground effects and sparklers are legal, while aerial projectiles such as Roman candles and any devices that shoot into the air or explode are not legal. He cautioned that sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees and can cause severe burns. Citing national injury data he said there were 11 deaths last year from fireworks and nearly 15,000 emergency-room visits — about a 50 percent increase from 2023.

Randy Siskind of the Sierra Vista Rotary Club outlined the city’s July 4 schedule and ground rules for attendees. Sierra Vista’s all-day celebration includes performances at Veterans Memorial Park, a band called Soul Medicine slated to start about 7 p.m., and an aerial and ground fireworks display staged at the Stone Sports Complex. He said the aerial show will be visible from the park and that the full ground show and finale are best seen from the Stone Sports Complex; the fireworks are scheduled to begin about 8:15 p.m., and organizers will dim lights for viewing.

Siskind and hosts also listed event restrictions and safety rules announced by organizers and law enforcement: no fireworks on public lands (including the Stone Sports Complex), no parking on the bypass during the fireworks, no charcoal grills at the Stone Sports Complex (gas grills only), obey directions from traffic and public-safety personnel, and organizers requested that attendees avoid using sparklers in crowded public viewing areas.

Organizers said the fireworks show is funded by the Sierra Vista Rotary Club with support from the City of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca and sponsored by a mix of local businesses; Rotary members said proceeds and sponsorships pay for the public show so no city general-fund money is required for the display. Siskind said volunteer, certified pyrotechnic crews — some members with 15-plus years of experience — handle the setup and firing of the display.

Fire officials and event organizers advised residents who plan to use consumer fireworks to follow local rules, keep fireworks on private property away from brush and structures, supervise sober adults, and consider alternatives such as attending a professional public display.

For community members concerned about fire weather and permitted activity, the Fry Fire Department and event organizers advised checking local updates and obeying on-site safety directions.