CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Fourth of July weekend is a highly celebrated holiday along the coast, and although it might be a few weeks away, crews are already making sure to keep a close watch on fireworks.
The Island Blast Fire Work Display is a beloved Fourth of July tradition for families across the Coastal Bend; but along with the usual red, white, and blue boats of all shapes and sizes, there is almost always a small fire that breaks out on the spoil islands near the display.
"We haven't got a chance to burn off the last couple years with weather things like that last year. We didn't think it was gonna burn and it did." said Deputy Fire Chief J.P. Hominick with Emergency Service District #2.
In 2021 a fire began on Spoil Island two minutes into the firework display.
That's why Hominick and his ESD #2 crew, along with help from station #13, and the Annaville Fire Department are conducting a controlled burn-ahead of this years event.
"There are hundreds of boats out here," Hominick said. "And at night they are navigating home through this smoke, so if we can help is burn this now so when they leave that night they don't have to navigate through this."
Hominick said that their property is to make sure all of the Island residents and spectators are able to enjoy the show and get home safely. And even though aerial fire works might now be allowed, due to drought conditions its important to be cautious.
"Any aerial fireworks that might happen will create a dune fire, so if we can go ahead and eliminate one area now, that's one less area to worry about the night of the 4th," Hominick said.
Due to Wednesday's winds, Hominick predicts the controlled burn will take around three hours to complete.
The firework display will take place Sunday July 3, and will kick off at 9 p.m.
Organizers with the Island Blast Firework Display, are still short from their fundraising goal of $31,000 to put on the event, which will shoot off 1,400 shells to light up the sky. For the link to donate you can visit their website. The Island Blast Fire Work Display
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Will electric vehicles cause strain on the Texas power grid? Transportation experts say no
- Nonprofit helps serve the community amidst tampon shortages
- Mary Carroll High School alumni say goodbye to the old campus, "Once a Tiger, always a Tiger"
- Family waits months to receive death certificate from NuCo Medical Examiner's Office
- 'Incredibly emotional': Corpus Christi father, daughter funeral service workers on front lines in Uvalde
- Need to beat the heat? Here is a list of cooling centers in Corpus Christi
- Coastal Bend Pride Center continues to grow their efforts and resources
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.