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Fire marshal warns fireworks, grills and target shooting are major ignition sources in Saratoga Springs
Summary
Fire Marshal Darren Wright highlighted fireworks safety zones, fire-pit restrictions and plans to post signage to discourage target shooting inside city limits; he said irresponsible shooting has caused most recent local wildfires and announced a small bucket-distribution safety program.
Fire Marshal Darren Wright told a Saratoga Springs audience that common recreational activities are recurring ignition sources and walked through the city's current safety measures.
Wright described a city-hosted fireworks-safety map that designates where fireworks are allowed and said residents should remain at least 200 feet from unimproved wildland. "I like fireworks, but I like to do them safe," Wright said while urging people to soak spent fireworks for at least two hours before disposal.
On backyard fire pits and grills, Wright reiterated rules posted on the city website: recreational fire pits must be three feet or less in diameter, flame height should not exceed two feet, and a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials is recommended. He cautioned that grills and coals stored underneath decks can rekindle and ignite stored combustibles.
On target shooting, Wright said it is a major cause of local wildfires and said the city will pursue signage and enforcement where shooting occurs inside city limits; he encouraged use of a county shooting range outside the city. "These wildland fires that we get... 80% of the wildfires near Saratoga Springs have been shooting caused," Wright said, linking several recent starts to ammunition and exploding/pyrotechnic targets.
Prevention initiatives: Wright announced a partnership with a local organization to distribute 100 pre-filled water "fire buckets" at upcoming community events and offered practical tips (spark arrestors for power equipment, keeping decks clear of embers, and moving stacked firewood at least 30 feet away ahead of dry season).
Enforcement and liability: Wright cautioned residents they can be held financially responsible for fires they start; staff reiterated the city lacks authority on adjacent state lands, so some shooting and recreation on state land must be addressed by state partners.
