What do dry conditions mean for your fireworks?

June 27, 2012|By John Paul | WSBT-TV Reporter

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY – If you live in a county that has not banned the use of fireworks yet, but there is still a burn ban in effect, what does this mean for your 4^th of July plans?

Liz Keiling and members of the Harris Prairie Church of Christ knew fireworks would be best way to fulfill their mission in the Dominican Republic.

"This year we're doing a vacation bible school," said Keiling.

Sales at the fireworks tent outside Meijer on Grape Road would help with some of the costs, but business has been a little slow.

The extremely dry weather outside and all of those burn bans haven't helped their cause either. In fact, many customers are confused about the laws.

"The understanding is even though there's a burn ban they could still purchase fireworks," said Keiling.

A burn ban doesn't stop you from buying fireworks, but the big question – will you be able to set off your fireworks?

More counties in our area are making the decision to cancel fireworks. Marshall County commissioners made the announcement Wednesday morning.

Indiana law allows the use of fireworks from June 29 through July 9...even in areas where burn bans are declared.

All Indiana counties in our area are under a burn ban. LaGrange and Kosciusko are among the counties that have also put some kind of restrictions on fireworks, most strongly encouraging people not to use them.

The only counties not to do that so far are St. Joseph and Starke counties.

With the dry conditions outside, Elkhart County Emergency Management leaders are asking people who live in the county to not use fireworks.

"There is no water. Common sense says why would you start a fire?" said Jennifer Tobey, director of Elkhart County Emergency Management. "We're asking for no bonfires, and we're asking for no residential fireworks at this time."

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