Fireworks can increase the risk of wildfires

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predicts an elevated risk for wildfires this Fourth of July, and residents, particularly those in wildfire-prone states, should be extra cautious with the use of fireworks, says the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

Some communities in Arizona and Colorado have canceled or imposed restrictions on fireworks displays due to the extremely dry conditions in their states. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a ban on fires and fireworks on many state lands.

“All that it takes is one wind-blown ember from a campfire or firework to ignite a blaze,” said Chris Hackett, senior director of personal lines policy for PCI in a statement. “With 53 active wildfires charring thousands of acres of land in nine states, it is critical that people follow state and federal fireworks laws and take extra precautions to avoid causing preventable fires.”

According to reports from the National Fire Protection Association, on average each year, fireworks start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.

“Let the Fourth be a reminder to not only prevent wildfires, but also prepare our homes and family finances for catastrophes,” Hackett said. “Taking simple steps like preparing a home inventory, updating your insurance and clearing debris around the home can make a difference if a wildfire breaks out. Insurers prepare year-round to tackle fire risks and are prepared to assist homeowners and renters. If your home is damaged by a wildfire, the first step to recovery is contacting your agent or insurance company and starting the claims process. One phone call starts the road to rebuilding.”

Related: Fireworks safety: Sparklers were No. 1 cause of injuries in 2017

Key fire safety tips from the U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service, the home of Smokey the Bear, has some basic fire safety tips people should follow at all times, not only during a drought or at times of elevated risk of wildfires:

• Only use fireworks in a safe area away from dry grass and buildings.
• Soak all firework devices with water before disposing of them in the trash.
• Do not bring fireworks or other explosive devices, including sparklers, onto federal lands.
• Attend campfires at all times and keep water and a shovel nearby.
• Put out a campfire to the point it is cool to the touch.
• Build campfires only in cleared open areas.
• When smoking, always dispose of cigarette debris in some type of an ashtray.
• Avoid driving and parking in tall grass, exhaust particles, hot exhaust pipes and hot catalytic converters can start grass fires.

To find out the level of wildfire risk in your area, you can consult the interactive maps on the NIFC’s website. You can also check out the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook, updated monthly.

Smokey’s long-time slogan is still true: Only you can prevent forest fires.

Related: July 4th holiday expected to set travel numbers record