Drought, fireworks can cause fires

Smoke haze from the Arizona and Colorado wildfires is a reminder of the fire dangers that linger around us. And the Fourth of July is just around the corner.

The elected officials of our municipalities and county have done all they can within state law to reduce the dangers of fireworks starting fires in our county.

Valencia County Fire Marshal John Cherry would like to see no fireworks at all this year, but state law requires the minimum to be allowed, unless a total ban is declared by the governor.

The mere thought of stray bottle rockets or sparks from an aerial display quietly landing in dry brush, out of sight, and starting a fire makes one concerned.

It is hard to tell which is worse: stray sparks from fireworks or gunfire, where the bullet returns to earth as fast as it was moving when it left the gun. Neither is a responsible way of celebrating.

Yes, we are celebrating the fact that our forefathers gave us the freedom to do as we please. But freedom comes with the responsibility of not damaging or destroying others’ property.

Our firefighters remind us: if fireworks are going to be discharged, have a water source close by and a clear area around any fireworks that will have sparks falling on the ground.

We don’t want to add to the smoky skies by causing wildfires in Valencia County.