Several local firework vendors said they have experienced higher than normal sales this year compared to last, however not all vendors are seeing the same thing.
It’s no secret that fireworks in the hands of people can translate to a busy afternoon for emergency responders. For people that live outside of Huntsville city limits, larger fireworks are allowed. It just so happens that majority of county fire departments are staffed by volunteers. These departments will tell you they are understaffed and sometimes under equipped to handle the regions growth.
The volunteers are not paid and have families of their own. Many of which would like to spend the holiday with their family. The other half have paid jobs, leaving volunteer stations with logistical issues on Independence Day.
“Some of our firefighters work at other agencies and they may be at those jobs or picking up extra shifts at other jobs,” said Zachary Trulson, the President of the Moores Mill Volunteer Fire Department.