Dry weather concerning for July 4th fireworks, say authorities
MILWAUKEE- The conditions across much of Wisconsin are dry and many communities have issued burn bans.
With the 4th of July approaching, some authorities are worried about fireworks potentially causing a big problem.
Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls told Newsradio 620 WTMJ, "I'm concerned about those that use fireworks intermittently without a permit and those that have the ability to start grass on fire, woods on fire and fields on fire."
According to Nehls, "As dry as it is, once that fire starts it will get out of control very, very quickly."
Nehls said he is concerned about fireworks in fields, dry lawns and near buildings.
"We've got a lot of people out and about...So when fires do get started, we get quick calls on that stuff and we appreciate that," said Milwaukee Fire Department Battalion Chief Ralph Gallow to Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Wisconsin's Afternoon News. "We've seen grass fires get going and they start to run on us and that's an issue for us."
Gallow said professional fireworks displays won't pose much of a threat because of the large crowds that could quickly tip off authorities if something went wrong.
He also cautions people to be extra careful if you plan to light fireworks off privately.
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