COLLEGE STATION - As Texans prepare to cel - ebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary, Texas A&M Forest Service en - courages residents to prioritize safety when using fireworks and participating in outdoor activities.
Fireworks are a longstand - ing tradition of Fourth of July celebrations, but they also pose a risk to people, property and natural resources when used improperly. Taking simple precautions can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of wildfire.
"Recent above-normal rainfall in many parts of Texas has given the state a favorable start to the summer fire sea - son, but that does not mean there is no wildfire risk," said Ryan Burns, Texas A&M For - est Service fire analyst. "While the summer wildfire activity typically occurs in mid to late August when the warmest and driest conditions historical - ly occur, Texas A&M Forest
Service continuously monitors drought conditions and its im - pact on fire potential across the state." If using fireworks, check local restrictions and burn bans that may limit or prohib - it their use. Fireworks should only be used outdoors in open areas away from buildings, ve - hicles, power lines, trees and other combustible materials. Weather conditions should also be considered, as hot, dry and windy conditions can in - crease fire danger.
"Wind gusts can carry embers into dry vegetation, potentially starting a wildfire," said Laura Stevens, program coordinator at Texas A&M Forest Service. "Another op - tion is to attend a professional fireworks display rather than using personal fireworks. It's a responsible way to celebrate while reducing the risk of ac - cidental wildfire." If using fireworks, read and follow all manufacturer in - structions, keep a water source nearby, wear eye protection, maintain a safe distance while fireworks are in use and never attempt to relight a malfunc - tioning firework. Children should always be closely su - pervised around fireworks and should never handle them.
"A few additional wildfire prevention tips that Texans can use this holiday include never leaving a grill unattended and ensuring it is placed in an open area away from tall or dry grass," says Stevens.
Pet owners are also en - couraged to take precautions during holiday celebrations. Loud noises and bright flash - es can be stressful for animals and keeping pets indoors in a secure environment can help them avoid becoming fright - ened or escaping.
After celebrations con - clude, residents should prop - erly dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water and ensuring they are fully extin - guished before disposal. Tex - ans should also inspect the surrounding area for smolder - ing debris and ensure camp - fires, fire pits and grills are completely extinguished be - fore leaving them unattended.
If a fire occurs, report it immediately by calling 911 or local emergency services. Ad - ditional firework safety infor - mation is available at tfsweb. tamu.edu/wildfire-and-oth - er-disasters/homeowners-pre - vention-and-preparedness/pre - vent-wildfires/firework-safety/.
