Fourth of July: Which US cities have cancelled fireworks and why

Some cities in the United States have cancelled the 4th of July fireworks because of the shortages and wildfire concerns. Major fireworks will remain cancelled on the occasion of Independence Day in the United States of America. The wildfire amidst the dry weather and the pandemic-related supply chain issues are among the two main reasons for the cancellation of the fireworks. 

Phoenix the capital of Arizona in U.S.A has canceled the firework displays because they could not obtain professional grade fireworks. 

Julie Heckman the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association said, “unless you’re in a really remote area where that was the only show, most people will be able to find a show nearby”. She also said that overseas shipping, labor and transportation costs are leading to most of the cancellation of the shows. The demand for fireworks has also increased in stadiums, concerts which is causing a disruption in the supply chain. Julie Heckman says, “The demand is so high that it’s almost like a perfect storm”. 

China is the main producer of such professional grade fireworks that produce dazzling colors and burst into different shapes. Heckman said that the demand is not for the manufacturing but the congestion at the U.S ports. 

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Flagstaff, a city in the state of Arizona will carry out their Independence Day by doing a parade through the city’s historic downtown. A new laser light show will replace the fireworks in the city. Three large wildfires took place in the spring for which hundreds of people  had to be evacuated. The Flagstaff city spokesperson Sarah Langley said, “the decision was made early because we wanted people to be able to make plans with their families”.

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North Carolina towns, Minneapolis, Southgate Mall in Missoula, Montana have canceled fireworks because of the wildfire and shortages while Albuquerque and Santa Fe will celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks under fire department supervision. The fire officials in many cities are anxious that cancellation of public displays will lead to an increase of consumer grade fireworks. Capt. Evan Gammage, the Phoenix Fire spokesperson said, “we are typically worried about exposure of sparks and fire to homes and dry brush”. The American Pyrotechnic Association estimates that the costs of consumer grade fireworks will increase upto 35%.