Weather conditions ahead of holiday are 'recipe for disaster,' fire marshal says

Halladay commended city leaders for taking the season's fire danger seriously. Nearly 100 cities had filed fire and firework restrictions with his office, including several that historically have not imposed restrictions. He said it will be up to the local agencies to enforce firework rules and residents to use their own common sense.

"You can have an enjoyable experience and not set things on fire," he said.

He's noticed a difference from last year, when the fireworks season was extended to a full 30 days in addition to aerials being legalized. In 2011, Halladay received constant complaints from residents that the season was "too long, too loud, too late," as communities around the state dealt with the month-long nuisance of their neighbors' pyrotechnic displays.

The 2012 firework season was shortened to 14 days and has been under way since July 1. But this year, Halladay said, things are quiet.

"They're just not hearing as many fireworks this year," he said.

E-mail: benwood@desnews.com