COEUR d'ALENE - Area emergency personnel are warning residents to be extra careful with the fireworks this Fourth of July because of extreme fire conditions.

"The fire danger is very high and just getting higher," said Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel. "And we still have a whole week of near triple-digit weather ahead of us."

Gabriel said having the holiday fall on a Saturday makes him a little more nervous than usual.

"It seems like we always have a handful of fires on the Fourth," he said. "But the forecast has never been this bad."

Gabriel said people should be extra careful in where they choose to shoot off their fireworks, even with the safe and sane variety.

"A lot of things could happen," he said. "We just don't know."

Gabriel said the city fire department is "beefing things up" to prepare for Saturday. They are especially concerned about the out-of-the way places people tend to gather and set off fireworks.

"Tubbs Hill, Cherry Hill and Canfield Mountain are the ones that we are most concerned with," he said, adding people tend to gather in those areas to shoot off fireworks. "We have limited access to those areas."

He said the department is prepared, but is just going to have to take each fire as it comes.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office also issued a press release informing the public on what is considered legal and what is not.

"The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office wants to remind everyone that only fireworks classified as 'NON-AERIAL COMMON FIREWORKS' are legal to use throughout Kootenai County, to include all of the incorporated cities within the county," the release said.

Non-aerial common fireworks are those that can be purchased in local temporary stands and some businesses throughout the many communities in the county. The only exception to the law is the land within the interior boundaries of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Reservation.

"The fireworks sold on these lands must be used on these lands and are illegal to possess or use off of these lands," the release said.

The KCSO said due to the forecasted high temperatures and dry conditions, it is discouraging the use of fireworks altogether.

"There are many community fireworks shows for the public to enjoy. Please refer to your local news media for exact dates and times of displays," the release said. "Please be safe while enjoying your Fourth of July holiday and fireworks."

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous.

• If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800F 982C - hot enough to melt gold.

• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Never try to make your own fireworks.

• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents. Steer clear of others - fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.

• Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket - the friction could ignite them.

• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances.

• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.

• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.