Boots on the ground keep revelers safe to enjoy fireworks in skies

An evening of family fun on the Fourth of July is the result of weeks of planning for first responders who must protect the revelers from bad actors, hot weather and medical emergencies.

Police, firefighters and EMS workers need to be ready for anything.

At Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, thousands are expected to enjoy music, food and fireworks on Thursday. Cary Fire Department Battalion Chief Tracy Williams says both officials and guests should come with a plan in case of emergency.

Everyone, she said, should keep their ears open for warnings and instructions to enjoy the evening.

“Make sure you listen. People will be giving you directions. They’ll be making announcements,” she said. “Listen to those things and try and follow those as best you can. Don’t panic and have a stampede.”

That’s just what happened last year in Knightdale. When a fountain firework was set off in the crowd, people thought they heard gunshots. They panicked and ran.

“I was there last year. Having my kids and everything – a couple older kids were with us – it was a hassle when that happened,” said Steve Thornhill.

In part because of the that hassle, the Town of Knightdale didn’t have fireworks in 2024, switching instead to a morning parade and celebration.

Thornhill didn’t mind the change. “It’s nice to get out early and do things before the sun went down,” he said.

He’ll go to another community to enjoy fireworks in the knowledge that first responders like Williams will be there to help in case of emergency.

“Safety is always No. 1,” Williams said. “Safety for our citizens, safety for ourselves, that’s always No. 1.”

The area’s largest celebration comes Thursday night at Dix Park in Raleigh, where the city police and fire departments have been working for months with Wake EMS to ensure a safe and fun family event.

For those for celebrate at home, Williams had this warning: “If you feel like you need to have fireworks, make sure it’s legal fireworks.”

Recent dry weather conditions make for prime conditions to spark a fire, she said. Even sparklers can be dangerous if used around dry grass.

“Try and stay away from dry grass, the woods or a wooded area,” Williams said. “Try to be away from that because you can’t control those things.”