Dry weather conditions and the upcoming three-day Fourth of July weekend prompted officials yesterday to urge the public to use fireworks responsibly next week.

"We're expecting to see more people out celebrating" said Bryan Cheplic of the Honolulu Department of Emergency Services, noting that July Fourth is on a Friday this year.

Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva and representatives of other emergency response agencies urged people to be extra cautious this July Fourth, as the Islands experience dry conditions that can fuel brushfires.

"We're getting into the driest part of the year, and we've had no significant rain on O'ahu since December," said Raymond Tanabe, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Tanabe said this year is drier than normal.

With these weather conditions and an abundance of dry grasses across O'ahu, officials are concerned that wildfires may break out over the Fourth of July weekend, historically one of the busiest times of the year for HFD.

Even people who live in urban areas need to be careful of starting brushfires, said Ian Morrison of the National Weather Service.

"There are many residential areas on O'ahu that go up against wildland areas," Morrison said.

Last August, a wildfire in Waialua burned more than 7,000 acres, requiring the efforts of 125 firefighters to put it out. The Waialua fire caused significant damage, said Michelle Mansker of the O'ahu Army Natural Resources Program.

"We have over 300 listed endangered species, all of which are at risk from wildfires in mountainous regions," Mansker said. While people are understandably concerned about their own safety and their homes, "these species are all part of our cultural heritage, and they also need to be protected," she said.

Cheplic said there were no serious or critical burn injuries on July Fourth last year. "We're hoping that trend repeats itself this year," he said.

Officials urged people to watch professional fireworks displays, such as those off Ala Moana Beach Park and Kailua Beach.

Silva offered several tips for staying safe on Independence Day, including using only federally approved fireworks, reading the manufacturer's warnings, supervising children at all times and staying away from homemade fireworks.

Fireworks may be legally sold across the state from June 29 to July 4. A permit, which is required to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers, can be purchased for $25 at any satellite city hall. A permit is not needed in order to buy paperless firecrackers. Fireworks may be legally set off between 1 and 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July, Silva said.