Valley Air District warns of air pollution ahead of Independence Day fireworks

BAKERSFEILD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — With the Fourth of July coming up, the Valley Air District is warning the public about the impact fireworks have on the air quality.

Each year, fireworks cause a significant increase in fine particulate matter, including toxic metals, ash, and soot, according to local air quality officials. These levels often reach four to five times the federal standard, posing health risks as the particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The air district has warned that young children, the elderly, and individuals with certain illnesses are at the highest risk from these pollutants. In response, the district has initiated a program to promote safer celebrations throughout the Valley by funding drone shows as part of their Clean Alternatives to Fireworks Pilot Incentive Program.

“It was a piloted program and basically into tease in the public, school districts, nonprofits, cities and counties, downtown associations, they could all apply and did,” said Heather Heinks, Communications m=Manager at Valley Air District. “There’s definitely a handful of shows around the Valley, this holiday that will have drone shows instead of fireworks, which don’t create pollution, but still have a wonderful, beautiful effect.”

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And one of those shows that took the district up on the incentive is the city of Shafter, which will be hosting their first-ever drone show on July 3rd.