SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A summer tradition, the fireworks stands, are back across California.
But as families pick out the features of their backyard displays, Northern California is in the grips of a triple-digit heat wave and a succession of grass fires.
The hot, dry and windy conditions are a recipe for grass fires, and the sales window for California's legal "Safe and Sane" fireworks adds another ingredient.
"It’s very hot and these fuels are primed to burn. It just takes one small spark to cause a major fire, and we’ve already seen it time and time again," said Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn.
The fire district has already responded to several fireworks-related fires in the county, including one in Rio Linda last week.
It was caused by a legal firework, stamped with the "Safe and Sane" state seal.
Burning about an acre, it was a relatively small fire, but "small fires become big fires that threaten life and property," Wilbourn said.
Ultimately, it's up to the community to make smart decisions about where and when they light fireworks off, Wilbourn said.
"I think there’s challenges when you're using incendiary devices. There’s a safe way to do (it), but even using them safely, there’s a certain level of danger that comes with it," Wilbourn said.
As the summer tradition continues, officials are urging families to use caution.
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