A warning for the Fourth of July

[MadHound]

For a lot of us, it is scorching hot, and deadly dry. We have wildfires stalking this country from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic ocean. Much of the ground in between is tinder dry, ready to burst into flame with the smallest spark.

Tomorrow is a day that all firefighters hate, the Fourth of July. Even in normal years, fires break out due to sparks from fireworks. This year is an especially risky year due to the heat and drought.

So please, please, don't shoot off any fireworks.

I know, I know, fireworks are fun, fun. Being a pyro myself, I completely understand. But I also don't want to set the world on fire, and this year, it is going to be all too easy to do just that.

Sadly, this also means a lot of professional pyrotechnicians are going to be out of work tomorrow. I've two cousins that are pros, and just had their show canceled due to fire danger. They're out of money, and I'm out as well, since I was going to go help them out tomorrow. Ah well, I understand. Cities and towns across Missouri and the Midwest are canceling their Fourth shows because it is simply too risky.

So enjoy the BBQ, friends, family, parades and such. Just keep the fireworks stashed away. The land you keep from burning could very well be your own.