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Why this July 4 weekend is a wildfire tinderbox

A firefighting plane drops fire retardant on the Aspen Acres fire near Colorado City, Colorado, on July 1. Photo: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Extreme heat, drought and dangerous fire weather are raising wildfire risks across the U.S. West heading into the July 4 weekend.

Why it matters: Millions of Americans celebrating Independence Day face fireworks restrictions as officials warn that a single spark could ignite fast-moving wildfires in areas already strained by extreme heat and drought.

Go deeper (2 min. read)

Olympian indicted for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting Pool

News 🗞

Kennedy Center sells $25,000 July Fourth packages amid financial crisis

Sports 🏅

Capitals re-sign Alex Ovechkin for record 22nd season

D.C. reporter picks

News 🗞

D.C. hotels roll out lux $250,000 July 4 packages

"Really long speech": Trump's July 4 show collides with extreme heat

D.C. unveils sweeping master plan for Commanders stadium and RFK campus

Air and Space Museum unveils 5 new galleries as renovation nears end

Scoop: Trump's late July 4 speech throws D.C. fireworks timing into flux

D.C.'s Freedom 250 fireworks show start time keeps getting later

Things to Do 🗓

Your D.C. Weekend: July 4 festivities beyond the National Mall

Over 325 D.C. bars can serve until 4am this July 4 weekend

Inside the Great American State Fair's carnival of contrasts

Where to watch D.C. July 4 fireworks away from the National Mall

The best America's 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend

Moon rock, Dolley Madison history featured in rare D.C. tour

Politics 🇺🇸

D.C.'s socialist era is coming

Exclusive: Here's what's on the menu at D.C.'s Great American State Fair

D.C. Council members could be forced to make $150M last-minute cut

Janeese Lewis George's top rival concedes in D.C. mayoral race

Democratic socialists lead in key D.C. races for mayor, council

Robert White wins primary for D.C. delegate

Culture

This new D.C.-based novel reimagines Metro as a portal through time

UFC lands in D.C., but indie wrestling is still sidelined

New D.C. novel by 1A journalist follows a "messy" polyamorous journey

This new novel explores D.C.'s indie music scene and queer culture

A new Dupont pop-up is telling D.C.'s story for America 250

A massive "human composting" facility just opened outside D.C.

Food and Drink 🍽

The Grace opens in Shaw, reviving the beloved Passenger space

RAMMYS 2026: Here's who won Washington's biggest bar and restaurant awards

Development 🏗️

As "Arc de Trump" advances, this D.C. official wants more arches

New Pennsylvania Ave. could include redoing Freedom Plaza and more flags

Real Estate 🏠

D.C. buyers are waitlisting unlisted homes on this new platform

D.C. area now has 4 cities where starter homes top $1 million

America at 250

The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft is like a "cathedral"

How to watch UFC Freedom 250 from D.C. bars or home

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