More Than 9 Grass Fires Sparked in Elk Grove on Fourth of July

Cosumnes firefighters had a busy Fourth of July, responding to nine grass fires between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Cosumnes Fire Chief Tracey Hansen said she knew "several" of the fires the department responded to Thursday were caused by fireworks, but didn't yet have all the specifics.

She said a bystander told authorities he saw bottle rockets being shot near a grass fire that burned one acre near Waterman Road and Rancho Drive.

"As we have been seeing for the last few years, an incredible number of illegal [fireworks are being used]–a lot of aerial fireworks going over neighborhoods," Hansen said. "It's concerning and frustrating for us that people continue to purchase and light off illegal fireworks."

Hansen said the department also often sees grass fires sparked by legal, "safe and sane" fireworks when they're used near dry grass or other easily-ignited materials, or when they're modified or thrown into the air.

Luckily, all the fires that kept Cosumnes Fire officials busy in Elk Grove were grass fires–no structures caught fire Thursday, Hansen said.

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