Careless use of fireworks and dry weather conditions could be a recipe for disaster, Honolulu Fire Department chief Kenneth Silva said at a news conference today.

Officials with HFD and other emergency response agencies urged people to be extra cautious this July Fourth, as the Islands experience rising temperatures and lower humidity levels.

"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. Although summer is typically a dry season, this year is "drier than normal," Tanabe said.

O'ahu has experienced near to below normal rainfall over the past few months, he said.

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

In addition, since the holiday falls on a Friday this year, "we're expecting to see more people out celebrating" said Bryan Cheplic of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

There will be 10 fireworks shows across O'ahu this year, the largest of which will take place at Ala Moana Beach Park.

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 will be sold across the state from June 29 to July 4. They can be legally set off between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4, Silva 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.