Milwaukee officials urge residents to be smart during dry spell

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee officials are urging people all over the city to be smart during the upcoming holiday weekend -- and be mindful of fire dangers.

Fire officials say brush fires could occur on shoulders of the highways and roadways.

"The dryness factor just makes a fire simple to start. Fire just starts to multiply once it takes hold whether it is in a patch of grass, a pile of brush, a small garage, what have you," said Ralph Gallow, MFD Acting Deputy Chief.

Officials say it's not uncommon to have those brush and house fires caused by fireworks.

Meanwhile, Phantom Fireworks manager Ken Michel gives his customers safety pamphlets when they buy fireworks. He also set up a fireworks safety display to provide tips.

"Learn about proper watering techniques for an area, launch zone, how to use fire extinguishers safely," said Michel.

The DNR says emergency burn limits are now in place in some areas of the state because of dry conditions. They're reminding people that fireworks are simply not allowed in certain areas.

CLICK HERE to view the fireworks display times and locations for a community near you.