Western cities get a little creative after megadrought cancels firework displays

As severe drought persists in the Southwest, cities are making tough decisions about their traditional firework shows. Some cities have decided to cancel their pyrotechnic displays, while others have chosen to continue them.

Dry vegetation and a lack of rainfall have led to a megadrought for more than 75% of the West and parts of the Central U.S., including Colorado. Now first responders and other officials are warning the public about the risk of Fourth of July fireworks.

An estimated 19,500 fires were started by fireworks in 2018, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

And nearly 30% of the fires caused by fireworks are ignited on the Fourth of July, based on 2014 to 2018 annual averages.

Here are some examples:

• Louisville, Colorado, a city northwest of Denver, is hoping to continue its firework show in an effort to prevent wildfires. The city’s website pointed out it is hoping to “reduce the number of illegal private shows” with their display, which is actively monitored by the fire department.

• North Lake Tahoe, which went through the Caldor Fire in 2021, will skip fireworks in favor of a drone light display.

• Claremont, a far eastern suburb of Los Angeles, is replacing its firework show with a free community concert. The city explained in a news release water restrictions due to the ongoing drought played a large role in their decision to cancel.

• The governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, signed an executive order in late April urging counties, cities, and local governments to consider banning certain fireworks due to “severe drought and fire conditions” across the state.

• Replacing its traditional firework show, Salt Lake City, Utah, is hosting a Laser Light Night twice in July.

• To continue its city’s annual celebration, Flagstaff is hoping to have a safe event utilizing a new laser light show in its historic downtown.