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Heat won’t stop Maine East fireworks tonight — though wind could
Updated: August 23, 2012 9:55AM
PARK RIDGE — Park Ridge’s annual fireworks display is still a go tonight (July 3), though special precautions are being taken due to weeks of heat and dry weather.
Park Ridge Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Sorensen said crews have been watering the grass near the launch site at Maine East High School since late last week. Members of the Fire Department and volunteers with local citizens emergency-response teams will also be on hand with fire extinguishers in the event of a small grass fire caused by fireworks, Sorensen said.
“I don’t think that will happen, but there’s always a possibility,” he added.
Windy conditions, though, would cause the cancelation of the fireworks, which are scheduled to go off at dusk, Sorensen said.
“We can’t have the pyrotechnics go off course,” he explained.
The deputy fire chief advises citizens to attend the fireworks display at Maine East instead of launching their own illegal fireworks, especially due to the hot and dry conditions, which can potentially cause fires.
Due to hot temperatures additional water is expected to be available at Maine East for visitors, as well as a cooling bus. Paramedics will also be present to handle any medical emergencies.
