MAINE– As countless firework shows are cancelled state and nationwide, many people are going to their local firework supply to light up their own skies this July 4th. However, with an already record-breaking season for bush fires in Maine, fire safety is more important than ever.

Since the start of the season, Maine has already seen over 700 wildfires state-wide, due to in large part to very dry weather and conditions. This has led several Maine fire departments to temporarily suspend their online burning permits, and others to ban the permits all together.

Wide-spread firework sales naturally, are making the Maine Fire Service nervous. As a result, both the Maine Fire Service and firework retailers are strongly urging that people who purchase fireworks for the upcoming weekend, practice proper fire safety.

This means reading firework instructions fully, even if already familiar with the product, and paying close attention to local fire warnings.