TERRE HAUTE —
A fireworks display might well be on the way for Terre Haute residents, but it won’t be on the 4th of July.
Mayor Duke Bennett confirmed Saturday afternoon the city has decided to postpone its Independence Day fireworks program given weather conditions.
“There are just too many safety reasons,” he said, adding the city will reschedule the fireworks display once the weather returns to normal. “Possibly Labor Day weekend, but it’s unlikely to be any sooner than that.”
According to the National Weather Service, June’s final day wrapped up a month of dry conditions. The last time measurable rain fell on Terre Haute was June 4 with 0.16 inch. June 2 experienced 0.05 inch with 0.02 inch on June 1, according to the NWS. The wettest day in the last two months was May 1 with 0.92 inch of rain.
Last Wednesday, Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Eddie Bird informed his board that the city’s fireworks display, which is typically hosted in Fairbanks Park, would continue as scheduled.
However, instead of shooting fireworks from nearby Barkley Softball Field, the contractor would use a private property on the west side of the Wabash River in Sugar Creek Township.
Saturday morning, Sugar Creek Township Fire Chief Darrick Scott said he’d declined that permit Friday and informed city officials they’d have to find another location.
“After taking everything into consideration, I decided not to allow it,” he said, explaining that as the township’s fire chief, he’s responsible for the property and safety therein. Considering the proposed shoot site is adjacent to the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area, it was just too risky, he said.
“The shoot site is right next to 3,000 acres of federally protected wetlands,” Scott said.
Scott said he consulted local meteorologists in making the decision, and if the dry conditions change significantly before Wednesday he might reconsider. But that doesn’t appear likely, he said.
Area fire departments hosted a news conference Saturday morning inside the Honey Creek Fire Department, urging citizens to likewise refrain from using fireworks this holiday. Honey Creek Fire Chief Jean Frankel displayed a video produced in South Bend, where a department lit off a firecracker and observed the grassfire it produced.
“We had a fire a few years ago on Fourth of July and it wasn’t as hot. We’re lucky we didn’t kill someone, she said. “I would hate to see someone lose their home over fireworks.”
Riley Fire Department Chief Jeff Fox reminded citizens to likewise be cautious of the record-breaking heat experienced recently.
“This heat is dangerous. It’s not just hot, it’s dangerous,” he said. Medical calls are often answered by fire department personnel and paramedics, making for a busy time if people exert themselves too greatly. “It accounts for a huge volume of our calls. There have already been fatalities in surrounding states.”
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Chief concern: Several Vigo County volunteer fire department chiefs held a short press conference Saturday morning to voice their concerns regarding the recent hot, dry weather.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Canceled: Riley Volunteer Fire Department chief Jeff Fox talks about the several issues that come up due to the hot, dry weather.
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