By: Rachael Witter
rwitter@klkntv.com
The 4th of July may have been 2 weeks ago, but fireworks are still leaving their mark in Lincoln. For the 5th time in the last week, fireworks have started fires in Lincoln. The latest one? A garage on the north side. Even though they are illegal at this point, fireworks are still causing issues around the city. Investigators say kids playing with fireworks in a garage near 13th and Benton caused a fire.
"There were a couple of juveniles who apparently had been playing with fireworks in the garage, started a fire, there was a small fire in the garage, it was contained to the garage so fortunately there was minimal damage," Battalion Chief Jeanne Pashalek said.
And the dry conditions don't help either. Three other fires, all caused by fireworks, have sparked grass fires throughout the city. One incident started grass on fire at 10th and C, and another at 2nd and E. A large firework even caused some damage to a car near 14th and Portia earlier this week.
"Conditions are very dry, it doesn't take much to ignite grass, nearby brush that's dry, the vegetation, we could have a very large fire in a very short period," Pashalek said.
Not only is it a good reminder to be responsible in these dry conditions with matches and lighters. It is also illegal to be setting off fireworks at this time of year.
"At this point, it is illegal to shoot off fireworks so we really strongly encourage people to be responsible," Pashalek said.
Again, this is the fifth fireworks-related fire this week. Lincoln Fire and Rescue wants you to be especially careful with any type of fire in these dry conditions.
