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June 21, 2012

Agencies urge caution with fireworks

Arthur Foulkes The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Extremely dry conditions are prompting local authorities to ask for extra caution from anyone using fireworks this July Fourth season.

Vigo County is still under a burn ban because of drought conditions. That ban expires noon Friday, but, without rain, is likely to be extended or strengthened, local emergency officials said.

The ban does not mention fireworks, and state law actually prohibits local communities from banning fireworks during the days immediately surrounding July Fourth. However, local fire departments can appeal for voluntary bans around Independence Day, said J.D. Kesler, assistant director of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency.

“People just need to use good judgment,” Kesler said.

Several counties in northern Indiana and some in the southwest, including Vigo, have issued burn bans in recent weeks. The towns of Clinton and Jasonville have also issued bans.

“We are in a drought,” Kesler said. “It’s summertime in the Midwest. Every two or three years we have a big dry spell. It just happens that this one is falling right around July Fourth.”

The City of Terre Haute Parks Department hosts a fireworks display at Fairbanks Park each July Fourth, including this year. There are no plans to cancel that show.

Eddie Bird, superintendent of the Parks Department, said his department is confident that Aerial Arts Fireworks and the city’s fire department can handle any problems that may arise. Aerial Arts will be conducting the city’s public fireworks show at Fairbanks Park beginning at dusk July 4. The Brazil-based company also will be putting on shows in Brazil, Rockville, Montezuma and elsewhere in the area.

“Those folks are certified, they’re licensed, they’re trained. They know exactly what they are doing and they already have the fire department on standby,” Kesler said. Firefighters “are there to help them to make sure nothing goes wrong,” he said.

A break in the dry weather could come as early as tonight. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has forecast a 40-percent chance for rain tonight. There was also a chance for rain over the weekend.

Indiana law prohibits local governments from limiting the use of consumer fireworks between 5 p.m and two hours after sunset on June 29-30, July 1-3 and July 5-9. It also prohibits local governments from limiting consumer fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

Still, state and local officials can strongly urge the use of common sense.

“We are strongly encouraging people to use extreme caution if they are using fireworks because it is extremely dry,” said Emily Norcross of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security — ”especially with fireworks that travel distances,” such as bottle rockets or Roman candles, she said.

Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.

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