A lightning strike in Sanford, Florida, set off the city's entire Fourth of July fireworks display on Friday. While acts of nature are unavoidable, here are some tips for staying safe and steering clear of accidents around fireworks.

Sanford

Recent incidents across California have underscored the risks associated with fireworks, particularly illegal ones. Multiple explosions in residential neighborhoods have led to deaths, critical injuries, and significant property damage, including burned homes and destroyed garages. Authorities report an increase in the sale and use of illegal and powerful fireworks, often distributed through private channels.

In response to these dangers and the heightened risk of wildfires, many communities are opting for alternatives such as drone shows. Officials emphasize that most fireworks are illegal for non-professionals in California and urge the public to prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations.

Lightning strike sets off city's entire fireworks display

This is not a 4th of July display. Authorities say these fireworks began exploding almost simultaneously Thursday night. One person was killed, another critically injured, according to L.A. County Firefighter David Ortiz. There's evidence of fireworks raining all throughout this neighborhood. Flames spread quickly to nearby homes in the L.A. neighborhood of Pacoima as more than 130 firefighters raced to the scene. Four homes were badly burned. We are seeing an increase in the number of people selling illegal fireworks, particularly very powerful fireworks, out of garages and private neighborhoods. There appears to be a possible explosion. Walls are blown out. 30 miles west, another blast and another person killed. Investigators believe fireworks are also behind this garage explosion. It sounded like a sonic boom, like a rocket ship was coming in. In Hayward, California, outside Oakland, suspected illegal fireworks blew a hole in the roof of this garage. Neighbors tried to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived. I can hear them saying inside the house, it's going to blow up again, it's going to blow up again. This woman says her next door neighbor was badly injured by the explosions. I can't forget the look in their son's eyes as he saw his father lying on the ground. Meanwhile, investigators say human remains have now been found where seven people were missing after a major explosion at a fireworks warehouse near Sacramento on Tuesday. Alberto Vega lived nearby and tried to douse the flames with his water truck. I heard screams. Just not being able to see people, not being able to get to them, that's where it weighs on me so much. Unless you're a licensed professional, most fireworks are illegal across California. It's wildfire season here and that's why many communities are now turning to drone shows instead of big fireworks displays.

Search and rescue operations continued overnight after flash floods slammed central Texas, killing dozens, officials said. More than 20 children are still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp hit by the floods, the Kerr County sheriff said.

Kerrville

Rescues continue in central Texas after deadly flash floods

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Kerr County

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Ödemiş

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Kyiv

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Gilimanuk

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Ochopee

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Tecoluca

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Manhattan

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

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Lhasa

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Boise

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Madison

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