US Forest Managers Encourage Alternatives to Fireworks Amid Wildfire Concerns

In an effort to prevent wildfires, U.S. Forest Service managers in drought-stricken areas of the Southwest are urging people to consider replacing traditional fireworks with safer alternatives this Fourth of July. They recommend using glow sticks, noisemakers, and cans of red, white, and blue Silly String instead. However, not everyone agrees with this suggestion.

While acknowledging the importance of discouraging fireworks during escalating wildfire risks, some environmentalists find it ironic that federal land managers would propose using aerosol cans of sticky party string in natural settings.

Recent weeks have seen regional forest officials and the New Mexico State Forestry Division issuing public service announcements promoting alternative celebration options to reduce human-caused fires. Their advice aligns with similar recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association and American Red Cross chapters in various states.

George Ducker, a spokesperson for the State Forestry Division, clarified that these alternatives are intended for children and young people to enjoy within their neighborhoods or on their own properties. He emphasized that the aim is to contain such activities and discourage venturing into forested areas to use Silly String or other substitutes.

However, if individuals do choose to celebrate with Silly String, the Forest Service requests that they adhere to the principle of “Leave no trace.”

Regardless of the chosen celebration methods, it is essential to follow the rules and regulations, especially when on national forest land. John Winn, a spokesperson for the federal agency, emphasized the need to comply with restrictions on fireworks usage, proper disposal of garbage, observing quiet hours, and cleaning up after camping or day-use activities. The responsible cleanup of spray streamers aligns with these guidelines.

Although aerosol party streamers, such as Silly String, have been available since the 1970s, the specific ingredients are proprietary information held by manufacturers. Generally, the string consists of a polymer resin, a foaming agent, a solvent, coloring, and a propellant to release the contents from the can.

Some local authorities have restricted the use of party string due to associated issues. For instance, Los Angeles banned aerosol party streamers on Hollywood Boulevard during Halloween in 2004 because the empty cans were being used as projectiles and littering the streets. Similarly, towns in Massachusetts and Alabama have implemented ordinances to limit string usage, citing problems during special events. Firefighters in one New York town complained that the string was causing damage to their trucks’ paint during a parade.

Rebecca Sobel from the organization WildEarth Guardians pointed out that party string is just one example of numerous seemingly harmless products that permeate our daily lives. Sobel emphasized the need for greater vigilance regarding the chemicals present in everyday items. She also highlighted recent reports on “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foam and other common products, urging consumers to be more aware of potential threats. Transparency from regulatory agencies and personal responsibility in reading product labels are crucial in this regard.

Certain consumer product sources state that party string is not biodegradable, and while many cans are labeled as non-toxic, the string can cause damage to vinyl surfaces or the clear coat on vehicles. The labels also suggest seeking medical attention if ingested, as some ingredients may contain gastrointestinal irritants that can affect both humans and pets.

According to Madeleine Carey, WildEarth Guardians’ Southwest conservation manager, party products like Silly String, along with mylar balloons, noisemakers, and glitter, are extremely harmful to forests and wildlife. Therefore, they deem it inappropriate to use such items at national forest recreation sites.

The primary goal for state and federal forest managers is to prevent human-caused wildfires. Despite some regions experiencing record snowfall and a wet spring, there remains uncertainty about whether the monsoon season will effectively mitigate fire risks. Consequently, the messaging promoting alternative celebrations will persist, as vegetation can quickly become highly flammable during a few weeks of hot and dry weather.

Since the beginning of the year, over 22,000 fires have burned nearly 1,000 square miles (2,590 square kilometers) in the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wildfire concerns

More about wildfire concerns

• U.S. Forest Service
• National Fire Protection Association
• American Red Cross
• WildEarth Guardians
• National Interagency Fire Center