Smokey Bear’s reminder to “Only you can prevent wildfires” remains crucial to remember, especially during times of drought. However, it is equally important to prevent forests from being covered in Silly String. Forest Service managers in the drought-stricken Southwest are urging people to ditch their fireworks this Fourth of July and opt for glow sticks, noisemakers, and cans of red, white and blue Silly String instead. While it is a worthwhile effort to encourage people to avoid using fireworks due to the increasing danger of wildfires, some environmentalists find it silly that federal land managers would suggest using aerosol cans of sticky party string in nature, according to the AP.
In recent weeks, regional forest officials and the New Mexico State Forestry Division have been promoting alternatives to fireworks in order to reduce the risk of human-induced blazes. They have been using a template that aligns with advice from the National Fire Protection Association and American Red Cross chapters in other states. George Ducker, a spokesperson for the State Forestry Division, explained that these alternatives are meant for children and young people to enjoy in their neighborhoods or on their own property, emphasizing containment to avoid damage to forests. He added, “We’re certainly not advocating folks go out into the forest and, you know, shoot off Silly String.”
However, if people do decide to use Silly String, the Forest Service has one request: Leave no trace. Regardless of how individuals choose to celebrate, it is important to follow the rules and regulations when on national forest land, whether it’s July 4th or any other day, according to John Winn, a spokesperson for the federal agency. This includes the restricted use of fireworks, proper disposal of garbage, respecting quiet hours, and cleaning up after camping or day-use activities. Cleaning up spray streamers falls under these guidelines as well. Los Angeles has already restricted the use of Silly String after experiencing problems during special events.
While spray streamers have been around since the 1970s, manufacturers keep their recipes secret. In general, the string is made of a foam-producing polymer resin, a solvent, coloring, and a propellant to expel the chemicals from the can. Rebecca Sobel of WildEarth Guardians emphasized that party string is just one example of numerous seemingly harmless products that are present in our daily lives. She stated, “We need to be more vigilant about the chemicals in ‘everyday’ items. Perhaps the Forest Service should have been more aware, but it is also difficult to know the exact chemical composition of certain products.”
(Read more Fourth of July stories.)
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