Rocklin Fireworks Continue Despite Fire Risk
ROCKLIN (CBS13) -- A fireworks show in Rocklin continued as planned, despite multiple scares last year with fires breaking out.
It's no secret California is in a drought, and with the Fourth of July around the corner -- here is high risk for fire danger.
Firefighters were on standby here at Twin Oaks Park Saturday night, ready to battle any trace of a fire.
More than 30-thousand people gathered to watch the sky light up Saturday night, and all went according to plan – unlike last year in September – when another fireworks show in Rocklin ended with four spot fires.
"When you blow something up in mid-air, embers are going to fall on the ground and it could possibly start a fire", said Paul Grenier, a fire engineer for the Rocklin Fire Department.
Grenier says this year firefighters have increased their patrol perimeter.
"We have one engine at the event and the city has two more engines, plus mutual aid", added Grenier.
He says the possibility of a fire starting during any fireworks show is something he and his colleagues are prepared for.
With the dry conditions that have plagued California for years, people have mixed feelings about whether fireworks should be set off ahead of Independence Day.
"We should not do it for another year or two because of the drought conditions and the lack of water", said one man.
Another young girl was conflicted, saying she really likes fireworks, "but I don't know what my opinion is because there is good and bad to this."