They glisten across the night sky and symbolize Independence Day.

But they are also dangerous when handled by amateurs.

We would like to remind everyone that personal fireworks are not allowed anywhere in our beautiful county. The use of any type of personal fireworks presents a real danger of injury and fire.

The so-called “Safe and Sane”  fireworks sold on the mainland are intended to be used in the communities where they are purchased. Most of the fireworks sold on reservations are not legal anywhere else in the state.

There will be some amazing fireworks shows presented by professional pyrotechnicians throughout San Juan County.  Fireworks shows are planned at Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Deer Harbor and Lopez Island. Residents and visitors alike enjoy these shows.

Adding to the danger this year: the fire risk is now raised from low to moderate. Fire officials have cited the current fuel conditions and a long-range weather forecast calling for warmer temperatures and drier weather for elevating the fire-risk mark. That report was prior to the recent stretch of un-seasonally hot weather, which reached 80 degrees on the westside of San Juan Island and nearly 80 on Orcas and on Lopez Islands.

As a result, outdoor burning will be restricted to mornings only, 6 a.m. to noon, and fires must be completely extinguished by noon, according to San Juan Island Fire Department.

Other than recreational fires, permits are required for burning outdoors in San Juan County, either for residential or commercial purposes.

So be smart and don’t use personal fireworks. When we have such stunning shows to watch, who needs them anyway?