Wildfire Risk Still High for the Holiday

MACON, GA (June 27, 2007) - As recovery efforts continue in the wake of record-breaking wildfires, the Georgia Forestry Commission is urging residents to “follow the local lead” concerning July 4 fireworks.

   “We’ve had scattered rain showers,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), “but they’ve been hit or miss. We are still in the midst of a long-term drought and that means the potential for wildfire is high.” 

   Dozier said some parts of the state will be staging fireworks displays, while others are likely to cancel them. Local authorities will make the call on a county by county basis, he said.

   “It’s best to enjoy public fireworks displays over a parking lot or lake,” Dozier said. “If your community has canceled the public celebrations, conditions are likely too dry. People should follow that lead and also curtail backyard use of fireworks in those situations,” he said.

   Since April, wildfires in south Georgia scorched more than half a million acres and destroyed $48 million in timber. Clean up and recovery efforts are still underway, according to GFC officials. 

   For specific information about fire danger in your area, call your local GFC office or fire department. For more information on fire safety, visit the GFC website at www.gatrees.org .