What can be done to minimize the potential of catching my landscape on fire with fireworks? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What can be done to minimize the potential of catching my landscape on fire with fireworks?
Answer Recently, fellow educator, Mike Scarano was telling me about nearly catching his uncle’s house on fire with firecrackers one celebratory evening. He agrees that people need to know how to use fireworks responsibly. Unfortunately, Southerners don’t really dwell on the repercussions of firecracker misuse. After all, it was the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in midair that proved that our flag was still there.
Obviously, the absolute best solution to preventing landscape fires is to watch the fireworks provided by your town. Some of these shows are really good. They are also FREE. As beautiful and spectacular as these shows can be, we all know most Southerners want to light their own firecrackers (even if they are puny).
It is doubtful that people are going to design their landscape to accommodate pyrotechnical activities. Therefore, the best form of fire prevention will come in the form of short term preparation and surveillance.
If you can get permission, the best place for firecracker activity is over a large parking lot. However, most folks don’t want to leave their home. A large lawn is the next best place. Try to stay away from flower beds as an ignition or landing area. Dry mulch is going to be the most flammable part of your landscape. Be sure to set off firecrackers a safe distance from vehicles and structures (house, barn, gas pumps, etc…). It is also a good idea not to be “lit” when you light.
Cut on the irrigation system immediately prior to and after firecracker activities. Have a water hose stretched out and a 5 gallon bucket filled with water before the first fuse is lit. While it is smart to have the fire department on speed dial, they may be slow to respond if they are putting out another fire somewhere.
After the last fuse is lit, gather a group of people to walk around and make sure nothing is smoking. If possible, have some folks stay outside for 30 or more minutes to make sure a smoldering bottle rocket stick doesn’t ignite later.
Keep in mind, the primary reason people are opposed to fireworks (besides the injuries) is the mess which is left behind. Relationships with neighbors and parents will be just as strained by discarded trash as they will with a small fire. While the exploded pieces and parts are hard to find at night, they are easier and safer to find the next day. Get out there and clean up the mess.
For more info on fire-safe landscaping, visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy12.pdf If you don’t have internet access, call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org
As Rhett and Link do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYc26WC4oYg), this 4th of July let us remember our pyrotechnical heroes. What they lack in discretion, they make up in combustion. The ones that lit the fuse and wound up dead, injured or lame. We salute you - the fallen founding fathers of the Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
