ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Gorilla Fireworks has opened for business after weeks of planning with the Houston Fire Department (HFD).
Drier-than-normal conditions left Gorilla Fireworks staff unsure about whether or not the shop would be open for the Fourth of July weekend, but communications with HFD have indicated weather conditions are safe enough for fireworks to be sold and used.
“We’re excited to celebrate with people,” said Gorilla Fireworks manager Samantha Bouma. “There’s nothing better than bringing smiles or customer’s faces, seeing kids get their sparklers and their tanks and their snakes.
“It’s a great time of year,” Bouma added.
While Gorilla Fireworks is now open – just in time for the July 4th holiday – HFD put some additional restrictions in place to ensure people stay safe over the weekend.
For example, Bouma said that rocket-type fireworks, such as Roman candles, will not be for sale this year.
Despite this, Bouma said customers are still looking forward to the holiday.
“I think everybody’s excited to come out and get something to do with the family,” Bouma added.
Houston is the only area in Southcentral Alaska where fireworks will be permitted this year.
The sale and use of fireworks in other areas of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough are prohibited.
See a spelling or grammatical error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.
