Fences are going up at Dix Park as crews prepare for Raleigh’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. Officials said Wednesday that the show will go on despite high temperatures and ongoing drought.
As temperatures climb to near 100 degrees on Wednesday, some people are already thinking about the weather.
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“If it’s hot, I can tolerate it, but when that humidity comes in, that’s going to be a pain in the butt.” said Valerie Miller.
The North Carolina Forest Service told WRAL News that higher humidity levels help keep fire danger lower during dry periods and reduce the likelihood of burn bans being issued.
WRAL News checked in with cities and towns across our area and found no changes are being made to fireworks shows yet, but officials will continue to monitor the weather up until that day.
“We really trust our partners at the State Fire Marshal’s Office. They monitor that with the National Weather Service. We are in contact with them about the current conditions. For the Dix fireworks, we will have resources on the scene for additional fire suppression needs that come up," said Raleigh's Assistant Fire Chief Lowell Smith.
In addition to staffing the event, fire crews will remain available to respond to other emergencies throughout the holiday.
Officials are also urging people who choose to use their own fireworks to take precautions.
“If you are going to do your own fireworks, we want you to have a bucket of water or hose with you at all times," Smith said.
They said the safest option is to leave fireworks to trained professionals.
When asked whether it’s safe to hold professional fireworks shows under the current conditions, the State Fire Marshal said licensed crews follow strict safety requirements.
"Our professionals are licensed by our office, they are trained, and then our local fire officials are the ones who actually permit those shows," said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor.
Officials said they will continue monitoring weather conditions through the Fourth of July holiday and will make any necessary changes if conditions worsen.
Many events across the Triangle will have water stations available, and officials are urging hydration to avoid a heat emergency.
You can find more information about Raleigh's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration here.