Amidst high fire danger, valley firework sales continue

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Two days before the 4th of July, customers lined up at Gorilla Fireworks in Houston, the only firework store in Southcentral.

Houston is the rare exception to firework bans across Southcentral Alaska, and because of the dry fire season, officials have been watching conditions closely.

The drier than usual winter and summer temperatures even made some wonder if the only firework stand would open this year. Still, there were plenty of sales made Wednesday ahead of the holiday weekend.

“As you can see, 4th of July is getting kind of started real early,” said customer CJ O’Brien.

“Today, I decided to make my way out here to Gorilla Fireworks to pick up not just one, not just two, but a whole Big Bang show for 4th of July just to enjoy some family time and kick back and relax.”

Gorilla Fireworks manager, Samantha Bouma, said due to the year’s dryness they are not selling any rockets, and encourage customers to take the necessary precautions

“Safety is the number one priority,” Bouma said.

“A sober adult, responsible supervision, overseeing all the fireworks, knowing what type of fireworks you have and keeping a bucket of water nearby.”

Fireworks are prohibited in Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Borough.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a fire prevention order banning the use of fireworks throughout Alaska’s interior.

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