“Fireworks are actually a concern year ’round whether it’s wet or dry,” says Andover Fire Chief Dennis Jones. “We’re like 6 or 7 inches below the season average for rainfall this time of year. So we are a little bit more worried in this particular time frame because of fireworks. With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, we have more propensity of people utilizing fireworks in a manner they probably shouldn’t.”
Chief Jones says a fire that scorched up to an acre of brush in the past week, was caused by fireworks. With homes nearby, the danger is obvious.
“We did find mortar casings and remnants of fireworks right along South Coon Creek and it spread to both sides of the street as well,” said Jones. “Using fireworks and throwing them out car windows while you’re driving is not what they are intended to do.”
On social media, a nearby homeowner said if the wind had been blowing in the other direction, his house could have caught fire. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
“With the dryness, with the wind conditions, its mixing up for what could be a big problem here if we don’t get some rain in the near future,” said Jones.
Because of the dry weather, Jones says there has been an uptick in brush fires. Causes include cigarettes, car accidents, and recreational fires as well as fireworks. He says it will take more than a little rain to turn things around.
If there’s an emergency like a fire, call 911. But if you have a complaint about illegal or disturbing fireworks, the Anoka County Sheriff’s office asks that you contact the non-emergency number: 763-427-1212. A spokesperson says they get a lot of complaints about fireworks in the days leading up to July 4. They will investigate them, but some responses to those calls may be delayed based on priority.
