By Carolyn Cole/Staff Writer El Reno area officials urge residents to leave fireworks out of their New Year’s celebrations as dry conditions persist. Fireworks are illegal in El Reno city limits, but are allowed in unincorporated areas of Canadian County. Regardless, Jerry Smith, county emergency management director, said residents should leave fireworks displays to professionals. “That is what we hope for, but you know that is not going to happen,” he said. “We have to be extra cautious in using fireworks and make sure they report any fires immediately.” Smith said he’s worried because of recent rains, residents may not realize a high fire risk still exists. “Any rainfall that we get is only a temporary reprieve from it during this time of year,” he said, adding conditions won’t improve until plants begin growing in the spring. “The grass is dead and the wind blows to dry things out even quicker.” El Reno Fire Chief Kent Lagaly said in the past, illegal fireworks use hasn’t been a common problem in El Reno city limits. “It seems to me that everybody finds another way to bring in the new year,” he said. And Lagaly said the department receives dozens of calls at any sighting of smoke in the sky this year, a sign he said that last year’s severe fire season drove the risk home to residents. Al-most 2,800 wildfires torched 300 homes and 550,000 acres across Oklahoma in 2005, including several Canadian County neighborhoods. “They see something, they are alerting us sooner … it lets me know people are more aware because of the number of calls we get with controlled burns,” he said. Both officials said that is better than the alternative. Canadian County has also formed a task force among fire departments to respond to wildfires, which Lagaly said they have yet to call on. To protect property, residents should:

• Keep grass mowed low. Trim cedar trees high enough so if a fire occurs, flames sweep below the limbs.
• Clean property of combustibles — dried leaves and other debris. Keep woodpiles stored away from homes and outbuildings.
• Clear leaves and debris out of gutters and off roofs.
• Make sure homes have a working smoke detector.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned before using them. Other heating appliances should also be inspected periodically to make sure they are functioning properly.