In Wildfire Country, It’s Time to Lay Off the Fireworks

July 4 is the worst day for human-caused fires in the U.S. As climate change worsens, scientists are urging people in the West to skip the pyrotechnics. 

Fireworks over North Hollywood on July 4, 2020 in Burbank, California.

Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times

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The worst day for human-caused fires in the U.S. is July 4. That’s a particular problem this year, as a historic heat wave and record drought have exacerbated the risk of wildfires.