York City officials urge fireworks safety ahead of July 4
July 02, 2026 | York City, York County, Pennsylvania
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Mayor Walker and Captain Mike Zailer of the York City Fire Department issued a joint safety message ahead of July 4, urging residents to take precautions when using fireworks to prevent fires and injuries.
Mayor Walker opened the briefing from the Rex Orel Fire Station, saying, "We want you to have an enjoyable holiday, but we also want you to be safe," and handed the public-safety guidance to the fire department.
Captain Mike Zailer framed the advice around common summer activities, saying it is "time for barbecues, backyard parties, and the annual urge to make things go boom in the night sky," and stressed that celebrations should avoid harming neighbors or property. He outlined specific safety steps: read and follow fireworks packaging instructions; choose a clear, open area away from trees and dry grass; remain at least 150 feet from buildings; and obtain the property owner's permission if you are not on private property.
Zailer recommended keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose within reach, lighting only one firework at a time with a long lighter or punk, and stepping back to a safe distance immediately after ignition. On handling misfires, he warned: "If a firework doesn't go off, do not try to relight it. Let it be for several minutes, then soak it completely in water before you throw it away." He added, "Never throw or point [fireworks] at a person, a pet, a car, or a building."
Addressing parents, Zailer cautioned that sparklers "can burn at over 1,000°," and urged close supervision and instruction for children using them. He also told those in charge of fireworks to avoid alcohol or other substances that could impair judgment.
The message closed with a community appeal: by following these steps "we can ensure our celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons," and keep emergency vehicles at their stations rather than responding to preventable fires.
No formal action or ordinance was announced in the message; the briefing was presented as public-safety guidance from the York City Mayor's Office and the York City Fire Department.
Mayor Walker opened the briefing from the Rex Orel Fire Station, saying, "We want you to have an enjoyable holiday, but we also want you to be safe," and handed the public-safety guidance to the fire department.
Captain Mike Zailer framed the advice around common summer activities, saying it is "time for barbecues, backyard parties, and the annual urge to make things go boom in the night sky," and stressed that celebrations should avoid harming neighbors or property. He outlined specific safety steps: read and follow fireworks packaging instructions; choose a clear, open area away from trees and dry grass; remain at least 150 feet from buildings; and obtain the property owner's permission if you are not on private property.
Zailer recommended keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose within reach, lighting only one firework at a time with a long lighter or punk, and stepping back to a safe distance immediately after ignition. On handling misfires, he warned: "If a firework doesn't go off, do not try to relight it. Let it be for several minutes, then soak it completely in water before you throw it away." He added, "Never throw or point [fireworks] at a person, a pet, a car, or a building."
Addressing parents, Zailer cautioned that sparklers "can burn at over 1,000°," and urged close supervision and instruction for children using them. He also told those in charge of fireworks to avoid alcohol or other substances that could impair judgment.
The message closed with a community appeal: by following these steps "we can ensure our celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons," and keep emergency vehicles at their stations rather than responding to preventable fires.
No formal action or ordinance was announced in the message; the briefing was presented as public-safety guidance from the York City Mayor's Office and the York City Fire Department.
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