Firefighters Around The Metro Battle Fires Caused By Fireworks

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.