Editor,

This July 4 was marked by the most extreme fire danger in many years and still people chose to buy and explode personal fireworks because it is their “right.”

The rationale was that they would be careful and responsible, and thanks to most who were. The problem is that fire is not careful and responsible, and in conditions like we are currently experiencing, mere embers can explode into flames many hours after they land.

The home where our son took his first steps in the mountains east of San Diego is nothing but a concrete pad to this day as the result of a tragic brushfire. People who have not actually lost a home filled with memories may not fully comprehend the lasting magnitude of this experience.

While other communities simply banned fireworks, we here were left to our devices. Neighbors who chose not to shoot fireworks in the interest of fire safety were right next to neighbors who did in the interest of tradition and entertainment. Plus, people came over from locales that had banned fireworks to buy and shoot them here, adding to the potential burden of our own dedicated firefighters.

Maybe the organizations that sell fireworks could take more responsibility for hosting safety meetings, or circulating safety information, particularly when public officials are practically begging people not to use fireworks due to high fire danger.

Or maybe elected officials could put public safety rather than political expedience first when potential fire conditions reach record breaking levels. At any rate, the issue demands real leadership from somebody, so no one here is ever left with the smoldering vestige of a home as the result of our celebration of independence.

BARBARA MORAN

Clinton