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Fry Fire chief warns of unusually high fire risk, outlines legal fireworks and safety steps
Summary
Fry Fire Chief Mark Savage said fuel-moisture readings are lower than recent years and urged caution for Fourth of July celebrations. He summarized which fireworks are legal in the area, warned that sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, and cited national injury statistics.
Fry Fire Chief Mark Savage told KWCD listeners that fuel-moisture readings provided by the Coronado National Ranger District indicate an unusually high wildfire risk this year, and urged extra caution for Fourth of July celebrations.
"Fuel moistures for the entire year are way below 2011, and well below 2025," Savage said, adding that any ignition source could start a fire in the current conditions. He said the department is hopeful for monsoon rains but warned that dry fuels make holiday fireworks especially hazardous.
Savage explained which consumer fireworks are legal in the area and which are not. "If you purchase a firework in a local store or at a tent, it's legal. Those are limited to ground application sparklers, volcanoes," he said. He said devices that fire projectiles or shoot into the air — including Roman candles and anything that explodes — are not legal. Asked about firecrackers, Savage said they are not legal.
He also warned about sparklers: "Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees," Savage said, and described how quickly severe burns can occur. Citing national data, he said there were 11 deaths from fireworks last year and "almost 15,000 ER visits," an increase of about 50% from 2023.
Savage urged people to limit aerial displays to professionals, supervise children closely, keep fireworks on private property and remain situationally aware. "Please celebrate responsibly," he said.
