(Los Angeles) U.S. National Day fireworks are inconsistent with the chronic drought plaguing Los Angeles like most of California, city officials have warned, urging residents to exercise restraint .
Posted at 4:31 p.m.
Americans celebrate their National Day on July 4, the anniversary of their declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776, and often take advantage of evenings to share a drink while shooting fireworks in their garden.
The municipality of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, is asking its citizens more than ever this year to refrain from a practice that is illegal and which risks causing devastating fires.
“All fireworks are illegal in town for personal use, and professional, licensed shows are the only places Angelines should go” on July 4, said city attorney Mike Feuer.
“The risk of devastating fires ignited by fireworks and rapidly spreading is serious this year, not to mention the usual risk of injury,” he continued, urging Los Angeles residents to “leave the fireworks to the pros”.
California is in the grip of a chronic drought which is reaching record highs this year.
Firefighters are very concerned as summer approaches by the dangers of already extremely dry vegetation, while the American West has already experienced wildfires of exceptional scale and intensity in recent years. .