Fireworks safety in dry conditions - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Organizers are still hopeful that Freedom Blast, the fireworks display downtown, will happen Wednesday night, though they say that could change. 
   
Here's why they're optimistic:  they launch fireworks from on top of the Regions Bank building - the third tallest building in the city - more than 500 feet off the ground. 

There is virtually no chance for a fire as a result of the launch and very little chance of any debris is still on fire by the time it reaches the ground.

Annually, this show draws a crowd of several hundred thousand, and organizers hope this year that people will enjoy the public display and not set off their own fireworks which most communities, including Indianapolis, have banned.  
    
Most public displays launch from the ground up and as a result, many of those communities have canceled shows as a precaution, including Lebanon, Zionsville, Brownsburg and Beech Grove among a growing list.
    
There is a burn ban in place that will prohibit public fireworks displays in Fishers, which means no fireworks at Symphony on the Prairie. 
    
But no such ban exists currently in Carmel, so the fireworks at Carmelfest will still take place as-scheduled.

And even though there is a ban on personal fireworks in Marion County and elsewhere, you want to make sure you are taking steps to protect yourself and your property.

If your yard looks brown, and most do, then your lawn is like kindling and the smallest spark can start a fast-moving fire.

Brush fires have been a concern, and a real problem, with this current drought.  A flick of a cigarette is enough to start a fire, so you can imagine what can happen with a spark from fireworks set off from yours or someone else's home. 

Despite the bans in place, there still may be the temptation from some to celebrate the 4th, which could lead to disastrous results. "We are in an extraordinary situation were we have extreme risk of fire hazard," said Indianapolis Fire Chief Brian Sanford. "We wanted to make this declaration to minimize this hazard as best we can."

Firefighters offer this simple advice to help keep you and your neighbors safe:

•     Honor the local bans
•     Report offenders by calling police

If neighbors still ignore the ban and set off personal fireworks:

•    Keep a working hose nearby
•    Wet down your yard and roof    

The drought is affecting nearly three-fourths of the country, including Indiana. In a normal year, 65% of fireworks injuries occur around the Independence Day celebrations. But now the dangers have increased exponentially with the dry conditions.  Even simple sparklers become as hot as 2,000 degrees, and act like a blow torch on dry grass.