Drought Threatens 4th of July Tradition

Many Hoosiers lately have been praying for one thing: rain.

Michael Hensley is one of them. Hensley manages the fireworks store on the corner of Illinois and Hillegas Roads.

So far this season, he says business hasn't been too bad. But, because of the county's burn ban, he has seen a recent dip.

"Sales are down a little bit...I'm down about 10 percent in sales right now" Hensley tells WFFT today.

Nearly half of Indiana right now has a burn bans in place, Allen County included. Right now, residents aren't allowed to set off fireworks, but will be able to starting next Friday. That is unless the drought continues.

"I do have a couple of regular customers that have been coming to me and I've spoken to them and they're currently holding off. They're saying we're going to wait and see what happens" says Hensley.

According to a City of Fort Wayne ordinance, residents can legally light fireworks between June 29th and July 9th. But a city fire official says that time period could be shortened if we don't get rain. Hensley, though, isn't worried.

"I think in the long run, I think what's going to happen is more and more people are going to start pushing the limits, testing the waters. I think that as the holiday gets closer, that people are going to do what they've always done and just kind of ignore the bans" he says.

The penalty for lighting your fireworks outside the allowed times is pretty steep. You could be charged between $150 and $500 for each offense.
And if you get caught lighting illegal fireworks, you could face criminal charges.

The city and county will continue to monitor conditions as next Friday approaches.

Allen County Commissioners will meet this Friday to determine if further restrictions or bans will be added.

They're expected to hold a press conference later this week to update the media on the burn ban. Stay tuned to WFFT for the latest.