Independence Day looks a little different this year since many firework shows canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Merdian and Boise fire officials are reminding people how dangerous illegal fireworks can be to the community. Ariel fireworks are a common cause to range fires, similar to the fire in 2016 at Table Rock.
Fire officials recommend double-checking you are purchasing safe and sane fireworks.
“We want to remind people to only buy safe and sane fireworks from the fireworks stands here in the Ada County,” Meridian Fire Marshall, Joe Bongiorno says.
Although safe and sane fireworks are legal, they still have the potential to cause damage.
“Those sparklers that kids like, the metal rod can burn up to over 1,000 degrees, so burns can happen quickly,” Bongirono says. The best place to use these fireworks and minimize potential damage is on the pavement.