TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
Because of the high heat and dry conditions, some county officials aren't taking any chances. They've changed their plans or called off fireworks shows for the 4th of July.
On Evansville's riverfront, fireworks are on for the fourth. Since Evansville's are over the water, officials say they're not especially concerned, but other areas not near the water like Gibson County have extra measures in place to stay safe.
"We have a 600 foot waterfall that's part of the finale of our show," said Nick Michas, the president of the Princeton Area Betterment.
Michas says Princeton Area Betterment has sponsored fireworks at the Gibson County Fairgrounds for the last 20 years with a show that he says never disappoints.
"It's like Niagara Falls," Michas.
But to make sure the night sky lights up after dark on the 4th, Michas says special precautions are in place.
"The biggest hazard is right where the fireworks are set off at," Michas said.
Princeton Fire Chief Mike Pflug says since the fireworks are over a large field, fire crews and fairground officials will be watering down the ground and hillside to prevent fires. And Pflug says similar precautions should be taken with smaller fireworks at home.
"Use common sense. Make sure you've got water readily available, a garden hose, water bucket, something," Pflug said.
But Michas says on the 4th of July, personal fireworks won't be allowed on the fairgrounds.
"We will have uniformed police officers patrolling the area and anybody who shoots off their own personal fireworks will be asked to leave," Michas said.
Both firework organizers and fire officials agree, simple precautions will help everyone celebrate and stay safe.
"We're not trying to put a damper on anybody's 4th of July, we're just trying to make sure they do it responsibly," Pflug said.
The public firework display in Tell City has been canceled. As far as Princeton's personal fireworks, fire officials say they're allowed from June 29th to July 9th from 5:00 p.m. until two hours after dark. Evansville and other tri-state cities say they have similar rules in place.
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