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Firefighters Say Safe And Sane Fireworks Aren't Big Threat For Fires In Drought

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — While some residents are concerned fireworks stands are going up in California during the drought, fire officials say they're not the ones that are the problem.

The stands aren't even open yet, but they're already raising controversy from Californians worried about high-fire conditions.

"I think they should be banned; we don't need that," said Leslie McCray.

She's not alone. Viewers like Dawn Hansen are posting to our Facebook page calling for a fireworks moratorium.

But Sac Metro Fire Capt. Michelle Eidam says the Safe and Sane fireworks sold at booths aren't usually the ones sparking issues.

"Statistically they haven't been shown to be the problem with fires," she said.

It's the illegal fireworks and fireworks that are used irresponsibly. But she insists there's no point prohibiting their sales.

But in the fourth year of our drought, conditions are enough to make people like Sheila Formica, who has bought from the stands in the past, to stay away this year.

"I don't know about these fireworks because we have no water. Everything's going to catch on fire," she said.

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