Tahlequah residents will join people across the country Saturday celebrating our nation’s independence with the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air.

But, local fire officials are taking time this holiday to urge people to be courteous and thoughtful of neighbors when setting off firecrackers. Fire Chief Ray Hammons said a little common sense will go a long way in making this a safe holiday weekend.

“The weather looks like it’s going to be dry. We haven’t had any rain to speak of,” Hammons said. “So, people need to stay away from tall grass when setting off their fireworks.”

Hammons says it’s also a good idea, regardless of weather conditions, to have adult supervision with fireworks.

“Don’t aim them [fireworks] at buildings, people or animals,” he said. “Animals are sensitive to the noise, so people need to be considerate of their neighbors’ animals.”

Hammons advises it’s also good thinking to realize which direction the wind’s blowing and to have a water hose, fire extinguisher or something else to use on a fire should one start.

He said you should avoid relighting “duds” because they could explode in your face.

Safety glasses should be considered in some instances.

Remember those sparklers that a lot of us had fun with in our younger days?

Hammons reminds local residents that those have metal handles that can become a branding iron even after they’re discarded.

He suggests putting them in a bucket and not rehandling them after they’re extinguished.

“Bottle rockets are against the law in Oklahoma even on the Fourth of July,” Hammons said. “Fireworks of any other kind may only be detonated in Tahlequah on July 4 and New Year’s Day.”

The fire chief also advises against setting off several firecrackers at once to make a louder noise. He said it is very dangerous to tie a group of firecrackers together.

“You need to ignite them one at a time and don’t hold it in your hand while you light it,” he warned. “Make sure they’re done doing what they’re supposed to do before you approach a firework on the ground.”