Authorities in neighboring El Dorado County have declared all fireworks illegal during the 4th of July holiday, but there is no word yet as to whether Amador officials are considering the same option. Fireworks are currently legal only in select areas of Amador County, namely Ione, Sutter Creek and Jackson. But according to El Dorado CAL FIRE officials, it’s better to be safe than sorry. “Given the driest spring on record and draw down of fire fighting resources due to the numerous fires burning in Northern California, the chances of a damaging wildland fire from legal or illegal fireworks is extreme,” said CAL FIRE representatives in a recent press release. Although no one has said so publicly, any hesitancy to place a ban on fireworks locally may stem from pressure from the fireworks purveyors themselves. “We’re a non-profit and make the majority of our money from fireworks sales,” said an employee manning a stand outside of Sutter Creek. Discouragement of fireworks usage has escalated to statewide levels. Governor Schwarzenegger recently released a statement saying, “I encourage all Californians to enjoy our wonderful national holiday safely, and to use every possible precaution when using fireworks- whether you are in a fire-affected area or not.”