As we draw closer to Independence Day, several people tend to celebrate with shooting off fireworks.

While the City of Jefferson doesn’t allow for fireworks, other than sparklers and snakes, Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams gives some safety reminders for individuals who might be using those types of novelty fireworks.

“There are no fireworks, other than sparklers, that are intended to be held in your hand. Make sure that you’re using snakes, to hold them in the ground. And then make sure that you’re not lighting them off near switchgrass or tall grass. As hot as it could be and it should dry out pretty quick before the 4th of July the risk of fires from fireworks is pretty high.”

For those outside of the Jefferson city limits, in the rural parts of Greene County where lighting fireworks are legal, Williams recommends not lighting fireworks near homes. If a stray firework approaches a home, check the rooftops, because he says fireworks are so hot, that if they land on the rooftops, they can start fires. He also recommends having a water source nearby in case anything starts on fire.