On Sunday there were 70 fires, 53 of which were likely fireworks-related, reported the Honolulu Fire Department. That was slightly down from 78 fires last year.

But in 2003, all but two of those 78 fires were linked to fireworks, an HFD news release said.

Fireworks-related fires weren't contained to just the holiday. Yesterday alone, there were 41 fires, at least seven of them fireworks-related.

There was one house fire at 45-480 Kea'ahala Road in Kane'ohe yesterday, said HFD Capt. Emmit Kane. The single-story home had been abandoned for several years and scheduled for condemnation and demolition. Witnesses saw some kids in and around the house earlier yesterday, Kane said. The house was destroyed. There was no damage estimate.

Last year, there were four building fires.

On Maui, fire officials reported 20 brushfires over the weekend, with nine linked to fireworks. The largest number — 14 — was on Sunday as people celebrated the Fourth of July. On Kaua'i, fire officials said there were a dozen fires over the weekend, 11 possibly related to fireworks.

Big Island firefighters said there were no figures available.

Brush fires typify fireworks-related holidays such as the Fourth of July and New's Year.

Kapi'olani Beach Park was filled with Fourth of July revelers enjoying the holiday. While many people went to parks and beaches, others stayed home to burn fireworks. On Sunday, there were 53 blazes that were likely fireworks-related, said the Honolulu Fire Department. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

The number of brush fires often depends on the weather, HFD spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada.

"If the weather is good and dry, the numbers normally go up a little bit just because more people are out and playing with fireworks," he said.

Sunday was no exception, with partly cloudy conditions in windward and mauka areas, mostly sunny in leeward areas. Trades remained in the 10 to 20 mile per hour range.

By contrast, New Year's, which saw an uncommon downpour, also saw an uncommon drop in fireworks-related fires. Only six were reported, down from 50 the year before.

This year, brush fires were small, Tejada added, covering areas less than half an acre.

No injuries were reported to firefighters.

Though the number of fires remained relatively unchanged from last year, the number of permits issued jumped substantially.

As of noon Saturday, 253 permits had been issued, compared with 179 permits issued last year.

Kane said he didn't know what caused the jump in permits issued, but figured it might have something to do with a greater awareness for the need of a permit to buy firecrackers. (Permits are not required for novelty fireworks such as sparklers, jumping jacks and fountains.)

"It's really hard to say," Kane said.

Fireworks can also be hazardous after they've been used.

Paulette Alexander, 54, slipped on fireworks debris as she crossed Halekauwila Street in Kaka'ako on Sunday, said her husband, Americo Alexander.

The couple were walking to their condo on Halekauwila Street at about 9:15 p.m. after watching the fireworks show at Ala Moana Beach Park, when she fell off the sidewalk, breaking her arm just above the elbow, Americo Alexander said.

He said neighbors were setting off fireworks on Halekauwila Street, stopping traffic and leaving debris on the sidewalks.

"People should have more consideration for others," said Americo Alexander, 51. "They should clean up their mess and not blow fireworks in walking paths or on sidewalks."