With an estimated 1400 wildfires burning out of control in California, the federal government has designated parts of the state as a federal disaster area, and FEMA is assisting to put out the blazes with equipment and financial support for victims of the fires. Nearly 20,000 firefighters from other states have also been called in to help with the emergency, and fire departments from neighboring states have donated fire engines and helicopters during California’s time of need.

In many parts of Northern California, air quality has deteriorated into an ashy smog, causing some sports events and other outdoor activities to be canceled or postponed. California health authorities are already reporting an increase in both eye and throat problems, and are concerned that the worsening air quality could bring on asthma attacks and severe bronchitis in many people.

Reacting to the emergency, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has requested that state residents forgo the purchasing and using of fireworks this Fourth of July. Schwarzenegger’s request has outraged some charities that sell fireworks as a way to raise money for their causes. Some California high schools, for example, routinely make $5,000 or more to fund student activities and field trips by selling fireworks.

But despite the naysayers, most experts believe Governor Schwarzenegger is right in discouraging the use of fireworks this Fourth of July. With much of the state experiencing a hot, dry season, the likelihood of starting new fires from errant bottle rockets or other fireworks is greatly increased.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein supported the governor’s request, and noted that the authorities had their hands full attempting to control the hundreds of separate wildfires burning around the state. Fireworks sellers have of course objected to the governor’s pronouncement, noting that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest sales times of the entire year. In fact, many fireworks retailers earn more than 50% of their annual profit in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations.

But despite the economic hardship to those who sell fireworks, the state as a whole will benefit much more if the public will refrain from using them this year. Fourth of July celebrations have traditionally used fireworks, but with so much dry brush and forest land in the state right now, using fireworks could worsen an already severe problem.

Several local fire departments in California have praised Schwarzenegger’s comments, and are requesting that the public support their local firefighters by not purchasing fireworks this year. Giving up the “bombs bursting in air” this Fourth of July is one small but practical way for California citizens to show their support for the state’s firefighters, and help get the wildfires under control.

Related Directory Categories:

• Holidays and Observances
• Government Directory
• Public Health and Safety

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