OKLAHOMA CITY -
Even though fireworks are
illegal in most areas, firefighters around the metro say people are getting
their hands on them and starting grass fires, and even a couple building fires.
The problem is keeping
crews busy. The grass may not be as dry as last year, but fireworks can still
easily start a fire. In Oklahoma City alone, firefighters responded to 87 grass
fires over the 24-hour holiday period.
In Del City, investigators
believe it was a firework that caused major damage, damage that included Charles
Rawson's woodworking shed.
"About 40 years of stuff
in there, it's ashes," said Rawson.
When firefighters arrived
on the scene last night, the fire was quickly spreading and neighbors had to be
evacuated.
"She said the house two
houses down was on fire and we needed to get out of the house as soon as
possible," said Rawson.
The fire would eventually
destroy most of Rawson's backyard, another outbuilding, fences, trees, and
knock out power to most of the neighborhood.
"I think it was fireworks,"
Rawson said.
In Oklahoma City,
firefighters spent most of the night chasing grass fires, many of which were sparked
by fireworks. That includes one at Frontier City.
"Normal day we may have five
or 10 depending on the temperature," said Oklahoma City Fire Chief, Mark
Woodward.
It is a situation that
continued Thursday and will likely keep up through the weekend.
"Just to be careful and
please abide and obey the laws. It's illegal to have fireworks in the city
limits," said Woodward.
They're illegal in Del
City too. But Rawson says fireworks are still too easy to get a hold of.
"They need to ban them.
Period," said Rawson.
You can get a ticket if
you are caught with illegal fireworks. That ticket would cost you $167 plus
court costs. The fire department issued three citations Wednesday night.
In Del City, investigators believe it was a firework that caused major damage, damage that included Charles Rawson's woodworking shed.
