Livingston Fire Chief Says Dry Environment And Fireworks Cause Some Concern

The lack of rain this month has some fire chiefs concerned about backyard fireworks this weekend.

Livingston Fire Chief Rocky Dial said a fire can start fairly easily, especially in grassy areas.

“As long as they go up in the air and detonate in the air, generally by the time they get back to the ground they are out,” Dial said. “Where I think we will have a problem with are the ones that explode on the ground.”

Dial said avoid sparking a brush fire by lighting your fireworks on a hard, flat surface. Also keep away from structures or overhanging trees. Dial said he recommends having a water hose nearby just in case.

“If you don’t have a paved drive way or a gravel drive way, find a piece of metal to set them off on, so it’s not in a grassy area,” Dial said. “We’ve got a little concern, but maybe everybody will take precautionary measures to make it safe for everybody.”

Dial said generally, Livingston does not have a fire issue around Fourth of July but that can change if safety measures are not taken. In a Tuesday release, the Fire Marshal’s Office reported 175 fires started by fireworks in 2021 causing $1.23 million in damage.