Fireworks likely despite growing drought
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
North Carolina's deepening drought is raising fire danger ahead of July 4, but no burn bans are expected to disrupt Triangle fireworks shows.
Why it matters: Extreme heat and dry conditions are increasing wildfire risk, even as holiday celebrations move forward.
Zoom in: The state has no burn bans in effect that would prohibit fireworks.
- Local fire marshals oversee fires within 100 feet of homes and businesses, and no Triangle counties currently have restrictions in place. All were lifted in early May.
What they're saying: "While we encounter high fire danger days here and there this time of year, we're in a better situation now relative to fire danger than we were two months ago," Christie Adams, spokesperson for the N.C. Forest Service, told Axios by email last week.
- "Vegetation has greened up and is a less receptive fuel for fire. That's a good thing," she continued, adding that drought nonetheless "contributes to fires burning longer, hotter [and] more intensely."
Threat level: Fire danger is high across central North Carolina, and is projected to become extreme by Friday before easing next week, according to projections by the N.C. State Climate Office.
- The Forest Service recommends caution with anything that can throw sparks, including cigarettes and lawn equipment, and urges wind and humidity checks before starting fires outside.
- Adams also says it's best to "leave the fireworks to the professionals."
State of play: Here are the biggest fireworks shows scheduled to light up the Triangle this week.
- Wednesday: Fuquay-Varina at South Park.
- Thursday: Wendell at the town park. Morrisville at Cedar Fork District Park.
- Friday: Wake Forest at Heritage High. Apex at Hunter Street Park. Garner at Lake Benson Park.
- Saturday, July Fourth: Raleigh in Dix Park. Durham at the Bulls stadium post-game. Cary at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Brier Creek at the main shopping center. Rolesville at Redford Place Park.
- Sunday: Holly Springs at Sugg Farm. Zebulon at the Devil Dogz baseball stadium post-game.
Fun fact: The town of Chapel Hill is trading fireworks for drones this year because of the noise and environmental impact.
- The drone show is July 4 at Chapel Hill High.