Wildfire fears prompt fireworks warning

News & Observer staff reports With more than 3,200 wildfires in North Carolina so far this year, state forestry officials are urging people to skip the backyard fireworks this weekend. Many wildfires break out around the 4th of July because of sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers, officials of the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources said this week. They are encouraging people to view public fireworks displays instead of setting off their own. Wildfires have burned about 28,000 acres this year -- not counting the 41,060-acre wildfire in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North Carolina. Lightning strikes started many of the wildfires, including the one at the refuge. The high number of wildfires is straining firefighting agencies, such as the... [read full story]