With the barbecue poised, the charcoal bag ready to go and the refrigerator stocked with hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks, fire safety may not be at the forefront of people's minds. But it should be.

When you add fireworks to the state's dry conditions, there's an even greater potential for danger. Last year, there were 113 blazes on July 4 — a majority of which were fireworks-related. It didn't help matters that some people ignited illegal aerial fireworks, something that Capt. Terry Seelig of the Honolulu Fire Department fears will be used again tomorrow night.

For its part, the Honolulu Fire Department is taking extra precautions by beefing up its staff during the holiday, and adding a second helicopter in case of an emergency. But come on, folks, let's give them a break.

Following rules may not be fun, but consider the alternatives: suffering an injury, starting a fire — or both. Let's spend this holiday by celebrating our independence, not defying laws created to ensure public safety.