Several US cities are swapping traditional 4th of July fireworks for eco-friendly drone displays
In response to escalating fire threats and environmental worries, several US cities are opting for drone light shows over traditional Fourth of July fireworks. This innovative approach aims to celebrate Independence Day in a safer and more environmentally friendly manner.
Salt Lake City’s Initiative
Salt Lake City, Utah, took the lead by hosting its inaugural drone show on Independence Day. The city’s mayor, Erin Mendenhall, highlighted in a press release that this new format aimed to reduce the area’s “high fire danger”. It also sought to mitigate air quality issues caused by pyrotechnics.
The Threat of Wildfires
Utah experiences an average of 800 to 1,000 wildfires annually. It ranks among the US states most prone to wildfires, as per the Utah Department of Public Safety. “As temperatures rise and fire danger increases, we must be conscientious of both our air quality and the potential for wildfires,” Mendenhall stated.
Colorado Follows Suit
Neighbouring Colorado, also in its wildfire season, followed suit. The City of Boulder decided to host its first-ever nighttime drone show. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the city had celebrated its Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast since 1941.
The Shift to Drones
The city government stated on Facebook that the shift from traditional fireworks to drones was a challenging decision. It was influenced by several factors, including the increased fire danger fuelled by climate change.
Dan Kingdom, owner of WK Real Estate in Boulder, shared that the committee responsible for planning the city’s July Fourth celebrations considered the environmental impacts. They also faced difficulties sourcing fireworks, leading them to opt for drones.
The Impact of the Marshall Fire
“The fact that we had the Marshall Fire here in our community about 18 months ago was one of the things we discussed,” Kingdom said. His company, along with the University of Colorado, collaborated with the city to coordinate the event.
A Clear Decision
The decision became clear when the company they usually bought fireworks from went out of business during the pandemic. They were unable to find an alternative source for the fireworks. “So it made our decision pretty straightforward and pretty easy to go with the drones,” Kingdom added.
The Advantages of Drone Shows
Drone shows offer several advantages over traditional fireworks. They eliminate smoke and debris fallout, and the noise doesn’t stress out dogs or people with PTSD. “There’s a lot of military in San Diego,” Kingdom noted.
The drones’ pixels, expected to light up the coastal community, will simulate fireworks. They will also display aerial animation and tell stories through motion graphics. “You can’t do that with fireworks,” Kingdom concluded.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Celebrations
In a nutshell, the shift from traditional fireworks to drone light shows for Fourth of July celebrations in some US cities is a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns and fire threats. This innovative approach not only ensures safety but also adds a unique touch to the celebrations, proving that tradition can evolve in the face of modern challenges.
