Global Courant
The red glare from the rockets can be turned off this Independence Day for synchronized electronics in a city near you.
Salt Lake City, Utah, and a few other U.S. cities are opting to trade thunderous fireworks displays for colorful high-tech drone displays this July 4th week due to fire safety and air quality concerns in dry areas.
Last week, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced that it would replace the traditional fireworks display for last night’s Independence Day festivities and those scheduled for Pioneer Day on July 24.
Instead, the city held its first-ever drowning show last night, which the city said was a proactive effort to combat the city’s high fire risk and allay concerns about air quality.
CALIFORNIA MEN ARRESTED WITH 38,000 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AFTER SAN JOSE STORAGE FACILITY FIRE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 05: Fireworks explode over the Port of Los Angeles during an Independence Day fireworks display on July 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
“As temperatures rise and fire hazards increase, we need to be aware of both our air quality and the potential for wildfires,” Mendenhall said. “The summer vacation shows are a mainstay for Salt Lakers, and we are excited about adapting to new technology that will provide a safe alternative for our residents and visitors.”
Another city that swapped pyrotechnics for drones was Boulder, Colorado.
According to the city’s website, the city has celebrated Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast every year since 1941, at least until the COVID-19 pandemic.
JULY 4TH FIRE RISK SEE FOREST SERVICE PROPOSING STUPID BATTLE OVER FIREWORKS; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTORS DON’T AGREE
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 04: In an aerial view, large illegal fireworks are set off late at night, long after professional Independence Day shows have ended, on July 4, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. While local fireworks complaints to police are reported to have dropped by about half this year, and by more than 80 percent since 2022, large parts of Los Angeles are home to people who come from cultures that embrace personal fireworks. Those air explosives have gotten bigger over time. (David McNew/Getty Images)
“The shift from traditional fireworks to drones was not an easy decision and was based on a number of factors, including increased fire hazards due to climate change,” the site said. “While the show will be a little different, it promises to be a fantastic show that aligns with our Sustainability, Equity and Resilience Framework.
Last year, three communities along the California-Nevada border turned to drone shows for their Independence Day celebrations, including Incline Village, Kings Beach and Tahoe City.
The switch was in response to the Caldor Fire, which burned for 69 days, during which time it scorched 221,835 acres, destroyed 1,003 buildings, and forced the evacuation of 50,000 people.
SOME OF LOS ANGELES JULY 4 FIREWORKS SHOWS CANCELED DUE TO NEW ENVIRONMENTAL MANDATES: REPORT
Instead of bombs being shot into the air and bursting into colorful patterns, drone shows feature hundreds of lit-up little flying machines that perform pre-programmed patterns to music as they form into shapes such as hovering dragons, city logos and the American flag.
In 2021, Ocean City, Maryland, officials chose some of the weekly scheduled festivities for drone shows over fireworks. This year, however, they’ve gone back to fireworks displays.
CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ocean City officials explained that the drone shows were all the rage, but also shooting off fireworks is cheaper than holding a drone show every week.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
