Fireworks sales in Houston continue despite high fire danger across the state [Video]

HOUSTON, Alaska (KTUU) – Fire danger is high across the state of Alaska, but that hasn’t stopped fireworks sales in the Mat-Su Borough city of Houston where Gorilla Fireworks stands were doing brisk business a few days before the Fourth of July.

Houston is the only city in the Mat-Su Borough where fireworks are allowed to be sold legally and used on private property, but with fire danger high, there are calls to shut the stands down.

Houston Fire Chief Christian Hartley said he’s fielding calls from people who are concerned, but he quickly sets them straight.

“We believe in small government in Houston, we do not believe in restricting liberties unless it is necessary for public safety,” Hartley said. “It’s our experience that an educated population is safe with their fireworks.”

Fireworks are currently banned in the Mat-Su Borough, but individual cities like Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston can legally …