Local Fire Departments Urge Residents To Reconsider Use Of Fireworks
By:
Updated: June 28, 2012
We are one week away from the 4th of July festivities. This year, Taylor County residents will be able to shoot off fireworks outside city limits but many are concerned about the very high fire danger still present in our area.
Some local fire and county officials are extremely concerned because if something does spark, they say we might not have the resources locally to fight the flames. Local fire departments are urging residents to reconsider the use of fireworks this 4th of July.
We've seen triple digit temperatures and very little rain relief to make up for that. Taylor County officials and local fire departments are doing what they can to make sure fire losses are kept to a minimum. Taylor County precincts are preparing heavy equipment and water transports, but that may not be enough. Not if something huge hits. Resources that we had last year, like our aircraft, for example, have been moved out of state to fight the massive fires that have sparked across the country. Our local forest service is also below normal staffing level, with only 10-12 members currently working.
Taylor County Commissioners met last week and decided to keep the lifted burn ban in place. However, they may consider reinstating it at next week's meeting.
Some local fire and county officials are extremely concerned because if something does spark, they say we might not have the resources locally to fight the flames. Local fire departments are urging residents to reconsider the use of fireworks this 4th of July.
We've seen triple digit temperatures and very little rain relief to make up for that. Taylor County officials and local fire departments are doing what they can to make sure fire losses are kept to a minimum. Taylor County precincts are preparing heavy equipment and water transports, but that may not be enough. Not if something huge hits. Resources that we had last year, like our aircraft, for example, have been moved out of state to fight the massive fires that have sparked across the country. Our local forest service is also below normal staffing level, with only 10-12 members currently working.
Taylor County Commissioners met last week and decided to keep the lifted burn ban in place. However, they may consider reinstating it at next week's meeting.
