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Fireworks On National Mall Start At 9:10 P.M.

July 4, 2011
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District officials advise using Metro instead of trying to drive around the city this Fourth of July.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47104507@N07/4880103770
District officials advise using Metro instead of trying to drive around the city this Fourth of July.

First off, those hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks from the mall should just ditch their cars and hop on the Metro. In addition, they should leave the booze and fireworks at home -- because both will be confiscated, according to the National Park Service.

Health and safety officer Bob Reese is also urging people to bring bring plenty of water, as well as to take other precautions to keep cool.

“Wear a hat, use sunscreen. I recommend applying it multiple times during the day," Reese says. "Seek shade or air conditioning if you can during those extreme high heat and humidity times of the day.”

The wait will be worth it though, according to Tom Steiner of Pyro Shows Incorporated, the company putting on the fireworks display. He says the seventeen minute long firework display will be intense throughout.

"But it will end on a note that will rock your socks," he adds.

Steiner says they’ve got 14,000 pounds of explosives ready to go off at 9:10 p.m. sharp tonight.

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