Blazes in California Take a Toll on Fireworks

Some California towns have banned fireworks, contributing to a poor season for sellers, many of them nonprofit like this stand in Seaside run by the N.A.A.C.P. Jim Wilson/The New York Times MARINA, Calif. — Lis and Robert Billingsley — retirees, volunteers and proud American Legion members — said they had exactly one word to describe sales this holiday period at the fireworks stand they run here for the Legion. “Lousy,” said Ms. Billingsley, speaking almost in unison with her husband. “Thanks to the TV and the fires they are putting on the TV, it’s the worst year ever.” Hundreds of blazes have ravaged sections of parched California over the last two weeks, burning more than 500,000 acres, destroying homes and other property, and costing the already budget-challenged state more than $50 million in firefighting expenses.... [read full story]