Officials: Don't use fireworks in national forests

July 4, 2014 at 10:47 a.m.

by The Associated Press

In this photo taken on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, Brian Herrman, a co-owner of Red Hot Fireworks in Phoenix, puts out new items on the shelves as sales of fireworks have been brisk at the store. Although Phoenix has gone a full 120 days without any measurable precipitation there has not been any serious effort in the drought-stricken states to restrict fireworks. Arizona actually loosened its restrictions this year and allowed residents of the two most populated cities to set off fireworks around Independence Day.
In this photo taken on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, Brian Herrman, a co-owner of Red Hot Fireworks in Phoenix, puts out new items on the shelves as sales of fireworks have been brisk at the store. Although Phoenix has gone a full 120 days without any measurable precipitation there has not been any serious effort in the drought-stricken states to restrict fireworks. Arizona actually loosened its restrictions this year and allowed residents of the two most populated cities to set off fireworks around Independence Day.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Fourth of July revelers are being cautioned against celebrating the holiday by shooting off fireworks inside the state's national forests.

Officials say discharging fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices on the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is illegal.

Ouachita National Forest Supervisor Norm Wagoner says many communities near national forests host celebrations that offer chances for families to view fireworks shows.

Officials say violating the fireworks ban is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for up to six months — or both.

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