Fireworks; 4th of July Fun, or is It?

During the 4th of July, fireworks have become somewhat of a staple, a must have if you will. But, this year in Southwest Florida, we are experiencing one of the worst droughts to ever been recorded. Is it a good idea to set off fireworks, when our land is as dry as it is?

So, far this year in Lee county alone, we have experienced many fires. Many homes have been damaged due to these fires and thousands of acres have been burned, the most current fire taking place in Cape Coral. With Independence day approaching us, I have noticed the fireworks stands in full force. It's hard for me to understand how it is illegal to throw out a cigarette butt, but it will be okay for us to use fireworks during the holiday. I did a little research to see what restrictions, if any, were put on fireworks this year and the fireworks tents who are selling them.

According to Naples News, Bonita springs are cracking down on what types of fireworks are being sold. Last year, Bonita springs police shut down two tents who were selling illegal fireworks. Apparently this year they are only aloud to sell small fireworks, pretty much limiting the selling of the fireworks to sparklers. According to Naples News, the sales of fireworks larger than sparklers are only allowed to people who will be using the fireworks for agricultural or industrial purposes. In previous years, anyone could lie and say that they are buying the fireworks for these purposes, but this year there must be proof that you are buying them for those reasons and not just for personal reasons. The Florida Agricultural and Consumer Services commissioners asked Floridians on Friday to be aware of outdoor fires this coming holiday.

The News-Press stated that Florida Legislatures has said no to new permits for fireworks stands. Fireworks stands may not exceed the amount of stands as last years, which was 28. So far this year, only 14 stands have been permitted to sell fireworks. Hopefully, with fewer fireworks stands, fireworks will be harder to buy.

As all fireworks may cause fires, there are certain fireworks that are more susceptible to hurt people and cause fires than other specific fireworks. In the state of Florida, certain fireworks such as: Firecrackers, Torpedoes, Skyrockets, Roman Candles, and Daygo bombs are all illegal. Fireworks that are allowed in Florida are: Fireworks that emit a shower of sparks when lit, fireworks that do not contain explosives, snakes, small smoke devices, noisemakers, and sparklers are allowed.

Florida is trying to make it safer to use fireworks. With laws limiting the use of fireworks and limiting what types may be sold and bought, will surely help with the amount of fires that are caused on the 4th of July directly from fireworks. Hopefully, knowing how dry it is here in Southwest Florida will keep the residents on their toes about fireworks and hopefully people will be smart about where they are using the fireworks, because we surely do not need any more fires around this area!