Fire danger in the area prompted a Red Flag Alert for Sequoyah County, along with counties in the southern and southeastern part of the state, the State Forestry Division announced Wednesday afternoon.
The alert is a warning to residents to be extra cautious when burning outdoors. The Forestry Division's Web site urged residents to show additional caution with all fireworks use. As of Friday morning the alert was still in effect.
"Right now, take extra precautions with anything to do with fireworks," Bob Harrel, district forester, advised.
When working with fireworks, Harrel said there is the potential of setting vegetation on fire, as well as structures. Harrel said shingles on roofs are likely places for fires to start from fireworks.
Harrel recommends watered grass areas, such as a well-watered lawn, as the best place to shoot fireworks. He said fireworks should not be aimed at anyone or at roofs, homes, or fields surrounding homes.
As a precaution, Harrel suggests residents have their water hose hooked up in case a fire does start. He also advises residents to stay near the area where fireworks were shot for at a least a half-hour afterward to ensure a fire doesn't start.
Harrel said residents should be observant, watch what they're doing, and make sure nothing remains afterward.
He said he would like the public to be extra cautious, but if a fire does occur, he urges residents to call their local fire department immediately. For wildfires in the state, residents can call (800) 299-3473.
The Forestry Division Web site adds that residents should avoid burning anything outdoors when winds exceed 20-miles-per-hour, and extreme caution is advised when conducting any outdoor burning.
A Red Flag Alert is different than a burn ban, which is a governor's proclamation that prohibits all outdoor burning.
There are rules for shooting fireworks in some cities and towns in the county, but the county does not have an ordinance concerning fireworks.
"If we're not in a burn ban, they (fireworks) are allowed," Sequoyah County Sheriff Johnny Philpot said.
Philpot advises people to exercise common sense and decency toward their neighbors when shooting fireworks.
If fireworks are shot into the late hours and are disturbing residents, Philpot said, "We will go out."
In Sallisaw, Police Chief Shaloa Edwards said residents in the city limits are only allowed to shoot fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 3 and 4.
In Roland, Police Chief Donnie Edwards said fireworks are allowed to be shot off in the town until 10 p.m. each night.
July 4 is the last day Roland residents are allowed to shoot fireworks, Edwards said.
Jewell Horne, Webbers Falls mayor, said the town does allow residents to shoot fireworks in the town park on July 4.
Horne stressed that no fireworks are allowed to be shot in town, except in the park on Monday. She also said firecrackers are only allowed to be shot in town on Monday.
Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July, but according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.
To help people use fireworks more safely, the commission offers the following tips when shooting fireworks:
* Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
* Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
* Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
* Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
* Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
* Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
* Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
* Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
* Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
* Observe local laws.
* Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
* Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
