National Park Service warns of hazardous air quality from expanded July 4th fireworks

The National Park Service warned last week that a planned July 4th fireworks display in Washington, D.C. could create dangerously polluted air across the city. The show, scheduled for late evening on Independence Day, was expected to use around 850,000 fireworks over roughly 35 to 40 minutes, making it far larger than any previous display of its kind.

Government analysts predicted that fine particle pollution could reach extremely harmful levels on the National Mall, with poor air quality likely to continue for several hours afterwards. Hot, still weather was expected to keep smoke close to the ground. Temperatures in the city had already reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and drought conditions made the situation worse. Officials advised people to wear N95 masks and limit time spent outdoors.