Will July 4 fireworks start unwanted brush fires? Here’s what Fort Worth FD has to say
Amid severe drought conditions in 2022, Fort Worth firefighters responded to 203 grass fire calls during the July 4 holiday, as residents set off fireworks across the city. The year before, there were only 17 of those calls.
Those grass and brush fire calls are expected to be lower this year with drought conditions improved, said Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek. As of June 27, 24% of Texas was in drought conditions, down from 86% this time last year, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
“Green grass still burns in Texas this time of year, so we do expect to have fires,” Trojacek said. “But they won’t travel as fast and they won’t get as big. So we are hoping it’s going to be a little bit of a slower Fourth from a grass fire perspective. But we’re always prepared because that stuff is gonna happen regardless, just at a smaller scale.”
The department projected to get 5,000 firework-related calls from July 1 to 4. Typically, about half of those calls or 2,500 come within an eight hour period on the Fourth of July. The busiest time is usually right before dusk on the holiday.
Isolated to scattered showers and storms are possible across North Texas Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Some storms could have gusty winds and small hail.
“It’s something that we’re always trying to stay on top of and be weather aware,” Trojacek said. “We’ll keep an eye on that to make sure that it doesn’t turn into any type of thunderstorm or any type of hail or high winds or anything like that, but hopefully it’s just going to be cooling rain that will kind of add to everybody’s excitement with the holidays.”
Around the holiday, the department also gets more calls for traumatic injuries, heat-related illnesses and drownings. Make sure you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to prevent heat illness. Try to keep your lawn mowed and manicured to slow the spread of grass fires. Be aware that the sale, possession or discharge of fireworks in the city of Fort Worth is illegal, so partake in one of the shows throughout the city instead, Trojacek said.
“We are telling everybody to leave it up to the pros,” Trojacek says. “And go out there and have a good time and be safe.”
