Summer Spark Safety: Fireworks and Outdoor Fire Safety in New Holland

Summer Spark Safety: Fireworks and Outdoor Fire Safety in New Holland

​Summer is officially here, and with the warm weather and upcoming community celebrations, the New Holland Fire Department wants to make sure everyone enjoys the season safely. As we approach holiday weekends and backyard gatherings, outdoor fire hazards increase significantly.

​Here are a few essential tips to keep your family and neighbors safe this summer:

​1. Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

​While fireworks are a classic part of summer celebrations, they cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of fires across the country every year.

  • ​The Safest Option: Enjoy professional, public fireworks displays rather than setting them off at home.
  • ​Sparkler Danger: Don't underestimate sparklers. They burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold (1,800^\circ\text{F} to 3,000^\circ\text{F}) and can easily ignite clothing or dry grass.
  • ​Disposal: If you do use legal consumer fireworks, always keep a bucket of water nearby. Soak used and misfired fireworks completely before throwing them in the trash.

​2. Recreational Fire Pit Safety

​Gathering around a fire pit is a great summer tradition, but it requires a careful setup.

  • ​Clear Space: Position your fire pit or ring at least 15 feet away from any structures, overhanging trees, fences, or property lines.
  • ​Clear Ground: Ensure the area beneath and immediately surrounding the pit is cleared of dry leaves, twigs, and mulch.
  • ​Never Leave Unattended: A fire should never be left alone, even for a few minutes. Always keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher close at hand.
  • ​Extinguish Completely: Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and apply more water until the embers are completely cold to the touch.

​3. Be Mindful of Dry Conditions

​Mid-summer heat can dry out grass and agricultural fields quickly, turning normal outdoor activities into potential fire risks.

  • ​Equipment Use: Avoid operating lawnmowers, tractors, or ATVs in extremely dry, tall grass. A hot exhaust pipe or a stray spark from a blade hitting a rock can easily spark a fast-moving brush fire.
  • ​Safe Disposal: Never toss cigarette butts out of car windows or onto the ground.

    • ​A Quick Reminder for Our Residents:

    Smoke detectors are just as critical in the summer as they are in the winter. If your home needs upgraded protection, our "Be Alarmed" smoke detector program is still fully active. We provide and install smoke detectors free of charge for residents within our district. Contact the department today to set up an appointment!


    ​Have a wonderful, safe summer, New Holland! If you see a brush fire or suspicious smoke, don't wait—call 911 immediately to get our crews en route.

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