Fireworks And 100 Degree Heat Are A Risky Mix In Abilene

The Fourth of July is here, and while many of us will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday, I have a serious concern about fireworks across Abilene and the Big Country.

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It is hot. Conditions are dry. And there is plenty of grass and vegetation that could become fuel for a fast-moving fire.

Taylor County Officials Will Discuss a Possible Burn Ban

I spoke directly with my friend Taylor County Commissioner Chuck Statler about current conditions.

Statler told me county officials are expected to meet Tuesday to discuss the possibility of putting a burn ban in place for Taylor County.

Think about the timing of that for a moment.

We are celebrating the Fourth of July now, and just days later county officials could be discussing whether conditions warrant a burn ban.

That alone should give all of us a reason to be extra careful before lighting a fuse.

I Have Watched One Bottle Rocket Start a Fire

A few years ago, my former neighbors were firing off fireworks in their circular concrete driveway, no harm, no foul, right?.  Everything seemed fine until one bottle rocket came down in the grass between their house and mine.

The grass caught fire and started spreading quickly (yes, it was windy).

I called the fire department, and the police showed up first, then the fire department, and that was the end of the party.

I have never forgotten how quickly a celebration turned into a dangerous situation.

Your Fireworks Can Land on Someone Else’s Property

Please remember you are not the only home on the block.

What goes up eventually comes down, and a bottle rocket or burning debris could land in your neighbor’s yard, on a roof, or in dry grassy areas.

The same warning applies to rural areas. Do not assume a county road is automatically a safe place to fire off fireworks. Many roadsides have tall, dry grass that can become fuel for a fire.

Please Be Careful This Fourth of July

I love celebrating America, and I am not trying to ruin anyone’s Fourth of July.

I am asking my fellow Texans to look around before lighting that fuse and heed the warnings from our community leaders. Keep water nearby, stay far, far, away from dry grass and combustible materials, and think about where that firework could land.

Because one spark can change everything in seconds.

Please celebrate America’s 250th birthday safely. Your home may not be the only one at risk.