As Wildfire Risk Soars, PETA Calls on Mount Rushmore to Replace Fireworks with Drone Show
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2026
Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382
As the Black Hills suffer through extreme drought conditions and fire risk remains high, PETA today sent a letter to Governor Larry Rhoden and Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial Michelle Wheatley urging them to make this Fourth of July the last one for fireworks at the site. In the letter, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk points out that fireworks cause fires, dump heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the air and water, re-traumatize veterans suffering from PTSD, and terrify wild animals. Birds abandon their nests, panicked deer and elk flee into roads, and baby animals can starve when their disoriented parents can’t find them. For these reasons, numerous venues, including University of Arizona, the Rose Bowl, and Travis Air Force Base, have chosen eco-friendly drone and laser shows.
“Floating embers from old-fashioned fireworks shows are a major risk for sparking wildfires, and adding in dangerous drought conditions and worsening heat is a recipe for disaster,” says Newkirk. “PETA urges Governor Rhoden to embrace dazzling drone and light shows that are quiet and pollution-free, and keep humans and other animals safe.”
PETA points out that three major wildfires—the Qury Fire, Coyote Flats Fire, and Murphy Fire—have already burned nearly 10,000 acres of the Black Hills within a roughly 10-mile radius of Mount Rushmore.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Rhoden and Wheatley follows.
May 6, 2026
The Honorable Larry Rhoden
Governor of South Dakota
Dear Governor Rhoden:
It may be too late to switch this year, but fantastic drones and light shows are inarguably the most impressive, jaw-dropping way to celebrate an occasion, and a bonus is that they don’t cause forest fires, so we hope you’ll like our suggestion. That’s why I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters worldwide, including nearly 10,000 in South Dakota—regarding the fireworks show planned for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial ahead of the Fourth of July this year after a five-year hiatus. Please, to help protect the many species of wildlife who live around the memorial and in the surrounding thousands of acres of forestland, as well as humans, particularly veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from their service to our country, will you do everything in your power to make this year’s fireworks show the last ever and, moving forward, opt for drone or light shows instead?
There was good reason for the five-year break from fireworks, including valid concerns about wildfires being sparked by embers falling in the surrounding national forest, lingering litter from exploded fireworks packaging, and water pollution from the chemicals. Packed with gunpowder, heavy metals, and other toxins, fireworks release particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide, which can degrade air quality, disrupt the growth of trees and other plants, alter nutrients in the soil, and increase water acidity. Fireworks displays also cause significant stress, anxiety, and fear in wild animals. Startled birds may abandon their nests and can be injured or even die from crashing into objects. Baby animals can die of dehydration or starvation when their terrified or disoriented parents can’t find their way back to their nests or burrows.
Additionally, one of the best ways to celebrate our country is to honor the brave veterans who have fought for it. Estimates show that hundreds of thousands of veterans experience PTSD, and many have been vocal about how fireworks terrify them. Drone and light shows are safer and much quieter, produce virtually no air pollution, and are growing in popularity: They have been used in place of fireworks at the University of Arizona, the Rose Bowl, Travis Air Force Base, and many other locations. There will even be a drone show this year in Rapid City, just over 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, as part of the Real America Birthday Bash!
Moving forward, celebrating our nation’s anniversary with a drone or light show would make a strong statement and wow everyone. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid Newkirk
Founder
cc: Michelle Wheatley, Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
