Dry Conditions Lead to Extra Precautions at 4th of July Fireworks Displays

By Nadia Crow, Reporter

Fireworks paint the sky during the annual Cedar Boat Club Fireworks along the Cedar River on Sunday, July 3, 2011, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (SourceMedia Group News/Jim Slosiarek)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 2, 2012 at 4:51 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2012 at 5:08 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Dry conditions have led to organizations putting on fireworks to take additional precautions this week.

The Cedar Boat Club, which has been putting on a fireworks show at Cedar Rapids’ Ellis Harbor since 1976, will use a professional company for the first time. The company will have certified pyro-technicians on site just in case any embers hit dry grass. “We do have a water trailer available to us if we decide we need it,” said Cedar Boat Club member Jeff McLaud.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is preparing for it’s Fourth of July fireworks display on Wednesday. On Monday, organizers said a larger partnership with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department this year means more engines will be on site, and more firefighters will be on nearby roofs and on the ground. “Any of the fallout debris or the embers if they make it to the ground, then we have fire extinguishers on the ground to make sure they’re not starting any little pieces of paper on fire or the grass on fire,” said Freedom Festival Director of Marketing and Operations Brandon Busbee.

Show organizers don’t want you to bring caps, sparklers, or snakes to the large public shows. “The conditions are so dry out there now, a sparkler laid on the ground can cause a grass fire and grow rather quickly,” said Cedar Rapids Fire Department Spokesperson Greg Buelow. The fire department said they’re not trying to ruin your fun. The department said you can still enjoy the festivities, but don’t forget to properly dispose of sparklers and other fireworks.

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