Fourth of July

Cities canceling July Fourth parades, fireworks shows due to heat, fire danger

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Some cities in the Bay Area have decided to cancel their July Fourth parades and fireworks shows due to the ongoing heat wave and elevated fire danger.

Here's what you need to know.

Antioch

Antioch has decided to cancel its Independence Day parade due to concerns over excessive heat.

Other festivities are still scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in historic Rivertown, according to a statement from city officials. Rides, games, music and food trucks will be available, followed by a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

For more information, visit the city's website.

St. Helena

St. Helena leaders have decided to cancel the fireworks portion of the city's July Fourth event, citing higher fire risk.

The celebration will still go on at Crane Park, with music, inflatables, children's activities and a bike parade.

The city released a public statement, saying in part: "After discussions last week, yesterday, and earlier today, the City of St. Helena, including the St. Helena Fire Department, St. Helena Police Department, Community Services Department (Parks and Recreation), City Manager's Office, and our Mayor, have made the difficult decision to change the activities previously planned for the 4th of July, including postponing our fireworks show to a later date in the year when conditions are more favorable."

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Thursday. For a more information and a full schedule, visit the city's website.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg has decided "not to move forward" with its July Fourth fireworks show due to the high fire danger.

"With a red flag warning in place for parts of Sonoma County and multiple active fire incidents in the region, we have concluded that we can’t proceed with sufficient confidence that the safety of the community will be protected," the city said in a statement Wednesday. "There are several new and growing wildfires burning in Northern California that are requiring the support of regional resources. That means that those resources may not be available if an incident were to occur locally. Looking at the totality of the conditions, we believe this is the best course of action for Healdsburg. We know this may be disappointing to some, but the safety of our community is our top priority."

Other July Fourth festivities, such as the Kids Parade and Duck Dash on the Plaza and the Prune Packers baseball game, will continue as planned.

While the heat wave has forced some cities in the Bay Area to cancel fireworks or parades this Fourth of July, other cities still are expecting thousands to partake in festivities. Bob Redell reports.
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