"Fireworks Fizzle Out as Drones Take Center Stage for Fourth of July Celebrations"
As hot and dry conditions across the United States raise concerns about fireworks sparking wildfires, some cities are opting to replace traditional displays with drone light shows. Boulder, Flagstaff, and Salt Lake City are among the cities making this shift due to extreme fire risk. The risk of wildfires sparked by fireworks is real, particularly in the drought-stricken West. In 2021 alone, over 12,000 fires were started by fireworks, causing significant property damage. Encouraging alternative celebrations has led to backlash, with the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico suggesting alternatives like glow sticks and Silly String, which drew criticism from environmentalists.