July 2, 2021
In this video, the Phoenix Fire Department demonstrates what can happen with consumer fireworks. (Video by Concettina Giuliano/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Since 1776, Independence Day traditionally has included fireworks. And as more Arizonans ease back into enjoying the Fourth of July as they did before the pandemic, officials are encouraging them to use fireworks safely – especially as wildfires continue to chew through parts of the state.
Fireworks were blamed for an estimated 19,500 fires in the U.S. in 2018, causing five deaths, 46 injuries and $105 million in direct property damage, according to a National Fire Protection Associationreport.
The danger is heightened in bone-dry Arizona, almost all of which is in extreme to exceptional drought. As of Friday, 16 wildfires were burning in Arizona, including one of the largest in state history – the Telegraph Fire, which has scorched more than 180,700 acres in the Tonto National Forest east of metro Phoenix. Mor
Phoenix firefighters union pushing for change after 2 firefighters hospitalized from back to back trail rescues
On June 16, 12 Phoenix firefighters were sent home after three back-to-back rescues. Two of those firefighters were hospitalized on the verge of organ failure. Author: Erica Stapleton Updated: 6:44 PM MST June 28, 2021
PHOENIX Hiking in a heatwave is a choice, but it’s one that can come with consequences for rescue crews.
Prepared or not, no one ever plans to be rescued. We will put ourselves in harm’s way to help people, said P.J. Dean, with the United Phoenix Firefighters Association. It’s just the way we are.
Phoenix firefighters sent home after hot rescues, ask hikers to think twice before hitting trails abc15.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc15.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.