Almeda Fire survivor worried as firework sales begin

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. —Fireworks began to go on sale Wednesday in Oregon, but after last year, the idea has more than just the city of Talent concerned.  The American tradition brings smiles to many each Independence Day, but for one Phoenix resident that’s not the case, this time.

Leslee Freeman-Swogger says she is terrified to see firework tents set up. An Almeda Fire survivor herself, the Phoenix resident says she still hasn’t recovered from the trauma she faced in September.

“I’m very concerned about the private sector using them because in the moment one little spark could cause a repeat of last year because it’s so dry,” said Swogger.

She says she still wants people to enjoy fireworks, just in a controlled environment.

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Jenna King is the 6pm and 11pm anchor for NBC5 News. Jenna is a Burbank, CA native. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sports Business. During her time at Oregon she was part of the student-run television station, Duck TV. She also grew her passion for sports through her internship with the PAC 12 Network. When Jenna is not in the newsroom you can find her rooting for her hometown Dodgers, exploring the outdoors or binging on the latest Netflix release.
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