MOULTRIE — The Fourth of July holiday weekend is here, and many people will spend it celebrating America’s independence. The Moultrie Fire Department wants to be sure those celebrations don’t turn into tragedy.

Moultrie Fire Department Fire Marshall Capt. Lavon Cooper said there are several ways to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Many people take the opportunity to grill out, but Cooper reminds everyone that unattended cooking fires are the number one cause of fires in Moultrie, in Georgia and in the United States.

When cooking, whether it been indoors or outdoors, Cooper said to always stay with the food. Always be sure the cooking source, whether it be an oven, microwave or a grill, is off once the food has been thoroughly cooked. Use the proper oven mitts or pot holders, not towels, to handle hot food and trays used to cook food.

Make sure to keep all combustibles, such as lighter fluid, paper and other items, away from the cooking area while food is being prepared, Cooper said. It is also not recommended to cook food while on medication, intoxicated or drowsy because cooking requires a person’s full attention.

Cooper said the dry weather recently has caused additional concerns for those grilling out for the holiday. Monitor the area around the grill and watch for any embers that could spark a fire in dry vegetation. Always be sure to dispose of used embers or charcoal properly after they cool.

For anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, Cooper said everyone needs to know about Georgia law. The state law prohibits the use of any fireworks that have an explosion or are used as a projectile.

“A firecracker is not a legal firework,” Cooper said.

Unlike Georgia law, Cooper said Florida and Georgia’s other surrounding states have much less stringent fireworks laws. He reminds people that fireworks bought out of the state may be unlawful to use in Georgia.

It is highly recommended any fireworks be used only under adult supervision, Cooper said. The fire department has been called to several fires that were started by someone using fireworks inside, so be sure they are only used outside.

“Whatever fireworks you purchase,” Cooper said, “use them during the holiday. Don’t store them.”