Wildfire threats force western cities to ban Fourth of July fireworks

Another dangerous wildfire season is underway amidst record-shattering heat and a scary and historic drought, leading state and local officials across the U.S. to ban fireworks around Sunday's Fourth of July holiday. 

And yet, fears of worst-case scenarios – especially across the American West – have led to the decision to cancel pyrotechnic displays, with leaders calling for caution. "We’re slowing down on our press conferences about the pandemic, and we’re headed right into another disaster," Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said of the drought and subsequent tinder-box conditions in June.