Emergency responders with Reedy Creek Fire & Rescue report that they’re responding to more brush fires caused my firework fallout due in part to a new staging area used to for displays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tim Stromsnes, the president of RCFR, told the Orlando Sentinel, “The problem here is it’s a new site in the woods and they didn’t clear enough land,” adding that more sprinklers were also needed in the area. Stromsnes estimated the department has put out around 30 such fires in the past two months, saying, “It’s taxing our staff. We’ve been out there for hours upon hours with multiple fires going on.” Laughing Place has learned that Disney has is modifying their Star Wars show due to the concerns.
A Galactic Spectacular
Contributing to the issue, Central Florida has been experiencing drier than normal weather, which has even led to fire restrictions at Walt Disney World resort hotels. As the Sentinel notes, similarly dry conditions led WDW to cancel their nightly fireworks for a time in 1998.