While it is a stunning tradition to launch fireworks every 4th of July for America’s Independence Day, we can’t deny it’s a bit of a risk these days. Climate-change-fueled drought in regions like the American west incurs the risk of wildfires with this tradition.
One town in the touristic area of Lake Tahoe is taking an environmentally friendly approach to its celebrations. Incline Village Crystal Bay on the north side of Lake Tahoe is putting on a drone show.
“I enjoy fireworks and always have,” Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau (IVCBVB) president and CEO Andy Chapman said to The Guardian. “But we started thinking – are pyrotechnic fireworks really sustainable moving forward?”
With the increasing drought and heat waves, many American towns in the west have been forced to cancel their fireworks displays this year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started 19,500 fires in 2018. In addition to this, they also pollute the air.
So, instead, of the rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in the air, Incline Village Crystal Bay will put on a drone show much like at the Super Bowl or President Biden’s inauguration. These shows are becoming more popular, as Incline Village Crystal Bay isn’t the only town putting a show like this on this year. Imperial Beach, California and Vail, Colorado will also be putting on drone shows.
“Having previewed the capabilities of our SkyShow partner Verge Aero, we are confident that the SkyShow will deliver a great viewing experience while avoiding the negative impacts associated with traditional pyrotechnic fireworks,” Chapman said in the press release.
