Fireworks and Forest Fires

9. Fireworks and Forest Fires • Recent studies conducted by State Forrest Commissions of prominently fire prone states show that fireworks have NOT been identified as a significant cause of wildfires. • Florida, Georgia, Texas and California have all identified careless burning of debris to be the leading cause of wildfires. • Smoking, ATV use and Agriculture Equipment (weed eaters, lawn tractors, etc.) have been extremely significant causes of wildfires. • A extensive review of forest fire data published by the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 2000-2007 specifically lists causes of forest fires, the following was noted for that 7 year period: • Smoking was proven to be a 430% greater cause of fires than fireworks and burned 877% more acreage than fireworks. • Recreation vehicles were a 65% greater cause than fireworks and burned 114,000 more acres during this seven year period. • Power lines were 390% greater cause than fireworks and burned 2,900 more acres. • Railroads were a 312% greater cause than fireworks. • Agriculture was a 345% greater cause of fires than fireworks and burned 600% more acreage. • Logging burned 94% more acreage than fireworks. • In 2000 thru 2007 in California and Florida there have been over 4.5 million total acres burned by wildfire. Fireworks are listed as a cause in 511 acres of the 4.5 million acres of those wildfires or less than 1 / 100th of a percent.