You might not get a fireworks show this July 4th
You might not get a fireworks show this July 4th
Depending on where you live, the Fourth of July might look different this year. Heat waves across the Western United States have prompted some cities to cancel fireworks celebrations for fear of starting wildfires. And even if your town or city is allowing fireworks, getting your hands on them is another issue.
There are, as with many products right now, supply problems.
“You’re probably seeing about 30% less product on the shelves this year compared to last year,” said James Fuller at TNT Fireworks.
The reasons are plentiful: Factory shutdowns in China, shipping delays and more expensive shipping. Fuller said TNT is planning to absorb its added cost, but for smaller fireworks sellers, “we do anticipate that, generally, you’re going to see a slight increase in pricing.”
On the subject of whether fireworks should be part of the celebration this year, especially in the West, “it is so hot and dry right now. Fireworks are just a terrible, terrible idea,” said Jennifer Balch, a fire scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
She co-authored a study that found, from 1992 to 2015, more than 7,000 wildfires started in the U.S. on Independence Day, the most wildfires ignited on any day during the year.
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