July 4 Fireworks + Drought + Heat = Wildfire

Fourth Of July Could Bring Unwanted Sparks To California, Nevada and Arizona Take an historic drought -- one of the driest 12-month periods in some locations. Add heat -- say, 120 degrees. And all you need is a spark. Independence Day celebrations this July 4 -- particularly the kind involving illegal or ill-advised fireworks displays -- are worrying fire officials, not to mention anyone who has neighbors with questionable judgment and a house near tinder-dry forests. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for a wide area encompassing parts of Southern California, Nevada and much of southern and western Arizona. The heat warning is virtually a carbon copy of the region experiencing "extreme drought," according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, and -- particularly if you live in this fire-prone swath of the country -- a time to celebrate safely. For some fun firework alternatives, click here.