CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fireworks were to blame for 35 forest fires that happened on the Fourth of July last year in the Charlotte area, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
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Conditions are drier this year than they were last year, and the Forest Service urges extreme caution with fireworks.
"There were 35 wildfires sparked by fireworks in North Carolina in 2018 despite it being a very wet year," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a news release. "To reduce the risk of starting wildfires from fireworks during the upcoming holiday, we recommend enjoying professional fireworks shows rather than setting off personal fireworks if possible."
[LINK: More information from the Forest Service]
In the video at the top of this webpage, meteorologist Jaclyn Shearer spoke with Forest Service officials to find out what they're doing to stop fires from growing out of control.
[CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS]
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