Celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States

Fireworks at Mount Rushmore despite fire risk

Despite the drought and warnings of an imminent risk of forest fires in the US state of South Dakota, the Trump administration is planning to hold the first fireworks show at Mount Rushmore in six years. This is reported by Politico.

The event is part of the celebration of the United States' national day and the country's 250th anniversary.

- Fireworks at Mount Rushmore are a terrible idea. We are in the middle of a serious drought, says Jay Davis, president of the grassroots and environmental organization Sierra Club's South Dakota chapter.

However, a spokesman for the state's governor Larry Rhoden urges calm and says that the authorities have taken into account the fire risk and taken the necessary safety measures. The final decision on the fireworks will also be made on the day.

The Trump administration is also investing heavily in celebrations elsewhere, including in the capital, Washington DC, where the fireworks will start later than before but last for a longer period. 

Record-breaking fireworks display to light up Washington on July 4

The fireworks over the National Mall in Washington DC are usually seen as one of the highlights of the US's national holiday celebration on July 4. This year they will start later, last longer and be more extensive than ever before, writes The Washington Post.

Normally, the show starts just before 9:30 p.m. and lasts between 17 and 25 minutes. This year, when the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is not expected to start until after 10:30 p.m. and could last up to 40 minutes.

No public explanation for the late start has been given. However, the goal of the expanded show is to set a world record for the world's largest fireworks display. About 850,000 rockets will be launched from ten locations along the Potomac River and around the reflecting pool in the heart of Washington.