According to officials, fireworks purchased and used illegally, in and around the 4th of July, have caused acres of damage. But you don’t need a Roman rocket to start a conflagration.
The following are examples of causes of wildfires in Arizona in years past:
- Driving on a flat tire, the rim and pavement caused sparks, setting off grass fires.
- A dragging safety chain from a boat trailer set off a series of fires.
- Vehicles with hot catalytic converters parking on dry vegetation.
- Ricocheting bullets have caused numerous wildfires at Arizona’s lower elevations.
- Signal fires set by lost or injured individuals have caused many wildfires.
- Weed-eaters, chainsaws, welders, and other internal combustion engines have caused numerous fires.
- Improperly maintained brakes and wheel bearings, especially in trailers, have triggered some fires.
- Discarded charcoal and glass are responsible for a number of fire starts.
- Campfires left unattended or not put out properly are an especially common cause of wildfires.
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, it is important to remember that all types of fireworks are prohibited on Kaibab National Forest, including the “legal-fireworks” available in some retail stores.