Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
July 4th is just around the corner and that might mean shooting off fireworks for some listeners. With dry conditions across the state, please use extreme caution if you plan to light fireworks. In 2018, 35 wildfires were started as a result of fireworks.
Tips for a safe July 4th
- Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
- Do not use fireworks near dry vegetation or any combustible material.
- Don’t aim fireworks at trees, bushes or hedges where dry leaves may ignite.
- Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
- Follow instructions provided with fireworks.
- Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
- Have a rake or shovel and a water source nearby.
- Ensure all burning material is completely extinguished afterwards and monitor the area for several hours.
- Never leave a campfire or grill unattended.
- Douse campfire and grill ashes with water and stir. Repeat this process to ensure ashes are cold.
- Place ashes in outside metal containers or bury them in mineral soil.
- Never put ashes in a paper bag, plastic bucket or other flammable container.
- Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area.
- Also remember that wildfires caused by fireworks can be prosecuted under the forest protection laws of North Carolina and individuals may be subject to reimbursing the costs for fire suppression.